We See Bach's Life And His Surroundings, From His Birth In 1685 Through His School Years, And Finally To His 27 Year Sojourn In Leipzig. Prologue: Bach And The Notion Of Musical Science -- Springs Of Musical Talent And Lifelong Influences: Eisenach, 1685-1695 -- Laying The Foundations: Ohrdruf, 1695-1700 -- Bypassing A Musical Apprenticeship: From Lüneburg To Weimar, 1700-1703 -- Building A Reputation: Organist In Arnstadt And Mühlhausen, 1703-1708 -- Exploring Every Possible Artistry: Court Organist And Cammer Musicus In Weimar, 1708-1714 -- Expanding Musical Horizons: Concertmaster In Weimar, 1714-1717 -- Pursing The Musical Contest For Superiority: Capellmeister In Cöthen, 1717-1723 -- Redefining A Venerable Office: Cantor And Music Director In Leipzig: The 1720s -- Musician And Scholar: Counterpoint Of Practice And Theory -- Traversing Conventional Boundaries: Special Engagements: The 1730s -- A Singing Bird And Carnations For The Lady Of The House: Domestic And Professional Life -- Contemplating Past, Present, And Future: The Final Decade: The 1740s -- Epilogue: Bach And The Idea Of Musical Perfection. Christoph Wolff. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 545-554) And Index.