Johann Sebastian Bach Johann Sebastian Bach was a musical composer of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was one of the greatest composers of all time. He was born in Eisenach, Thuringia, in 1685. He spent his life in music and was known for his ability in that subject. At age 15, Bach got his first job as a court musician at Weimar. There he became known as a great organist. In 1717, the Prince of Cothen invited Bach to become Kappelmeister in Cothen. The Duke of Weimar refused to let Bach go to Cothen, however, and confined him in a gaol for a time. After Bach was released by the Duke of Weimar, Bach