BACH, Johann Christian
b Leipzig, 5 September 1735
d London, 1 January 1782, aged forty-six

The youngest son of Johann Sebastian by his second wife, Johann Christian studied with his father until 1750, then with his half-brother Carl Philipp Emanuel in Berlin. In 1754 he went to Italy, abandoned Protestantism for Roman Catholicism, and became organist in Milan Cathedral. He went to London in 1762 and was appointed music master to Queen Charlotte Sophia, wife of George III; and since then he has been called the 'English Bach'. He introduced Mozart to English musical society. In the early 1770s he was at the height of his career as performer and composer; then his popularity waned, his health and income deteriorated, and when he died he was £4,000 in debt. He is buried in St Pancras' Churchyard.
1761 (26)
fp Artaserse, opera
fp Catone in Utica, opera
1762 (27)
fp Allessandro nell'Indie, opera
1763 (28)
Orione, opera
Zanaida, opera
1765 (30)
Adriano in Siria, opera
1767 (32)
Carattaco, opera
1770 (35)
Gioas, Re di Giuda, oratorio
1772 (37)
Endimione, cantata
Temistocle, opera
1776 (41)
Lucio Silla, opera
1779 (44)
Amadis des Gaules, opera
J. C. Bach also composed symphonies, opera overtures, concertos, sextets, quintets, quartets, trios, piano and violin sonatas, violin duets, piano sonatas, military marches, etc.