Johann Sebastian Bach
(Johann Sebastian Bach)
GDR, 1950, 33 min, b&w
In German; English subtitles

Johann Sebastian Bach © DEFA-Stiftung
Credits:
Dahle, Ernst |
Dahle, Ernst |
Knepler, Georg |
Krafft, Putty |
Klagemann, Eugen |
Themes & Genres:
Synopsis
A film produced in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the death of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was the GDR’s first cinematic homage to the Baroque composer. It frames Bach as a humanistic artist befitting East Germany’s canon of cultural heritage.
Using historic documents and images of original engravings, the documentary follows Bach’s steps as he moves from Eisenach to Lüneburg, Arnstadt, Mühlhausen, Weimar, Köthen and eventually Leipzig. The film includes music by the internationally-known Leipzig Thomanerchor and Gewandhausorchester.