Musicians & Composers · 18th Century
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Last Words
“Unknown — he lost sight and speech before death.”— Johann Sebastian Bach, July 28, 1750
Who Was Johann Sebastian Bach?
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer of the Baroque period, producing masterworks including the Brandenburg Concertos, The Well-Tempered Clavier, and the Mass in B Minor.
The Final Moments
Bach suffered from eye disease and underwent surgery by an English oculist. The surgery failed and left him blind. He died 10 days after a stroke, having lost both sight and speech.
Are These Words Verified?
Contemporary obituary by his son C.P.E. Bach documents that he lost sight and speech before death following failed eye surgery. No last words were recorded.
Sources
- firsthand Obituary by C.P.E. Bach and Agricola
- archive Leipzig death records
- academic Christoph Wolff biography
Legacy
Bach is considered the greatest composer in the Western classical tradition. His influence on all subsequent Western music is incalculable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Johann Sebastian Bach’s last words?
“Unknown — he lost sight and speech before death.”
How did Johann Sebastian Bach die?
Johann Sebastian Bach died on July 28, 1750 at the age of 65. Cause of death: Stroke following eye surgery.
Were Johann Sebastian Bach’s last words documented?
Contemporary obituary by his son C.P.E. Bach documents that he lost sight and speech before death following failed eye surgery. No last words were recorded.