Best Biography of J.S. Bach?

[dave b]

What, in your opinion,  is the best JS Bach biography and is there a consensus here among classical music listeners?

[Que]

Well, I like Christoph Wolff's Bach biography, no idea if it is THE "best" and no clue about consensus - I gues I'll have to watch this space for that



Q

[dave b]

Thanks. That is the first one I saw and I wondered about it....

[SonicMan46]

Not @ home to check my collection - know that I have the two books below, and probably one other one but can't remember @ the moment:

The New Grove Bach Family (1997) covers 'Dad' & the more famous sons - short & a little dry, but inexpensive; also, includes listings of the compositions, which I like about this series.

The New Bach Reader (1999) - different approach; arrangement of letters, articles, etc., both from the times & later - highly recommended on Amazon; so far, I've just read 'bits & pieces' of the book, but quite enjoyable! 

 

[Norbeone]

I'll add to the recommendation of The New Bach Reader. Though not a biography as such, it does give an unusually real and vivid insight to the big man himself. It can be funny, shocking and, more often, simply informative.

[lottery23]

I'd go with the Wolff biography as well. It's jampacked with details, impeccably researched, and it offers a good balance of history, biography and musical discussion. It's also a pleasure to read.