South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-02-14
BY MRS. r. T. MILLER

These three years gave him an in
innate knowledge OF choral singing
He had enrolled among the dis
cantists but soon manifested a capac-
ity for so many branches OF the mu-
steal art that the remuneration re-
ceived for his services enabled him
90 remain in the school, where he
passed through every class and he
improved every opportunity, even ac-
quiring some proficiency in the
French language which was not gen.
orally taught in Germany. He had
many musical duties so he could not
pursue, with any regularity. the lit
erary and scientific course of study.
He had no unusual intellectual gifts,
but it was his determined persever-
ance that made him successful.
During his school vacations he went
on foot % miles 10 Hamburg TO hear
the famous Dutch Organist, Reinken.
The story is told how, on his return,
he had only two coins left and a huge
appetite. He sat down by an inn
and began TO cry, for he could smell
the Odors from the kitchen and
shifted them eagerly, wishing for
something to eat. Shortly after. two
herring heads fell to the ground be-
side him and golden ducat in each
mouth.
While at school he became ac-
ganist who belonged to the North
German School Of Composition and
organ Playing. At the age of IS
Bach became the organist of the new
church at Arnstadt with a yearly
salary. Having some leisure time he
spent it in studying. Bach grasped
every opportunity to become ac-
quainted with styles of composition
of every country and while here he
met some French PLAYERS
In his second year the church au-
thorities gave him permission to visit
Lubbock TO hear the great Danish or
ganist, Buxtehude. He walked the
30 leagues and so fascinated was he
that he Overstayed his time by three
months. taking instruction of the
great Dane.
Censured by the church officials.
Bach became stubborn and tactlesS
and he resigned to become the Or
ganist Of Mulhausen in Thuringia in
1907. This was a much better posi-
ton and had been filled by several
eminent players. He realized the
position as we'll as those who pre-
ceded him. He worked hard with the
choir, superintended the repairing Of
the organ, according TO his own plan,
and added a peal of bells.
While here he married his cousin
When Bach walked so leagues from
Arnstadt TO Lubbock to hear Buxte-
hide he could have remained there
and succeeded this celebrated and
wonderful organist If he would have
married the eldest Of the Organist'S
grown up daughters. Perhaps he
might have stayed if he had been al
lowed TO have his choice out Of the
six.
In 1908 he went 70 Whiemar as
CT IN 10 q
Added to his duties was that of con-
cert master, playing the leading viO-
lin part. BaCh's violin playing was
exceptionally artistic and his three
sOnatas for violin without accOmpa-
niment mark the utmost limit of de-
velopment attained by this kind of
technique.
Before coming TO Weimar he had
begun to create work that had mas
terful spirit. During the nine years
he lived at Weimar he enjoyed the es-
TEEN and patronage of the duke,
made frequent short journeys, in
creased his fame as a composer and
organist, was frequently called by
builders and churches to test organs,
to restore and construct them, for
he was widely known as an expert,
and in 1716 he was called the fore
most organist of his day. In 1714 he
had played a pedal solo which was a
remarkable performance, and one
critic said but few could equal it with
their hands.
His great friendship for the reign
ing prince as well as the duke, all
gave him a wide sphere and a higher
recognition of his musical abilities,
and his contemporaries recognized
his command of organ teaching and
his wonderful genius.
At this time all the music was
copies of the masters