Johann Michael Bach

Johann Michael Bach (1648–1694) was Johann Christoph Bach’s younger brother, and like him was mostly trained by his father Heinrich and by the Kantor of Arnstadt. When his brother accepted the job at St. Georg, Johann Michael succeeded him as organist of the Arnstadt castle chapel. In 1673 he became town organist in nearby Gehren, where he also worked as an instrument maker as well as town clerk. According to J.S. Bach’s genealogy of his family, Johann Michael was a skilful composer. Others report that he was quiet and reserved. As a composer he was particularly interested in the genre of chorale motets (sacred polyphonic vocal pieces based on a chorale). He also composed works with instruments. His music has a most varied, natural, and convincing treatment of vocal declamation.

Vocal Works Performed by the San Francisco Bach Choir

Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe (attributed)
Herr, ich warte auf dein Heil
Sei lieber Tag willkommen