What, in your opinion, is the best JS Bach biography and is there a consensus here among classical music listeners?
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 ;D
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41D14TGKGNL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Learned-Musician/dp/0393322564/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a)
Q
Thanks. That is the first one I saw and I wondered about it....
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 (http://www.amazon.com/New-Bach-Reader-Arthur-Mendel/dp/0393319563/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205789712&sr=1-1); so far, I've just read 'bits & pieces' of the book, but quite enjoyable! :D
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZM5QKTCYL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514PGMCQBYL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg)
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.
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.