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Donald Macleod explores Bach's relationship with his two wives and their many children.

Johann Sebastian Bach, who is now almost universally recognised as one of the giants of classical music, was not always so celebrated. In his own lifetime he received some public recognition but this contrasted with his regular complaints of unjust humiliations at the hands of his contemporaries and his employers. Was the composer hard done by or were these problems of his own making? In this week of programmes, Donald Macleod tries to get to the heart of Bach’s character, warts and all, through five different periods in the composer’s life. We’ll be hearing from some of Bach’s most glorious music, as Donald ponders what the composer’s character might mean for our understanding of the man and his art.

Today, Donald Macleod explores the Bach family’s living circumstances.

Lute Suite in E minor, BWV 996 - Bourée
Jakob Lindberg (Lute)

Herr Jesu Christ, wahr’ Mensch und Gott, BWV 127
Dorothee Mields (soprano)
Matthew White (alto)
Jan Kobow (tenor)
Peter Kooy (bass)
Collegium Vocale Gent
Philippe Herreweghe (conductor)

Suite No 1 in G major for solo Cello, BWV 1007
David Watkin (Cello)

Ich habe genug, BWV 82 - "Schlummert ein, ihr matten Augen"
Matthias Goerne (baritone)
Freiburger Barockorchester
Gottfried von der Goltz (conductor)

Producer: Sam Phillips