The eldest son of Johann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm studied composition and organ with his father and at Thomasschule in Leipzig, as well as violin.

After studying mathematics and humanities at the University of Leipzig, Bach accepted positions as organist, first in Dresden and then in Halle. In his fifties he relocated to Berlin, where he spent the final two decades of his life.

Bach composed for small groups and the orchestra of his day, besides organ and piano. He is closest in temperament and style to J.S. Bach of all the latter's sons. His music lies in the Baroque tradition of harmonic elegance.

More an able musician than an unusually gifted one, Wilhelm Freidemann is overshadowed by his brothers, Johann Cristoph Friedrich and especially Carl Philipp Emanuel and Johann Christian. ~Douglas Purl