Bach was always irritable and obstinate, and had completely alienated his choir. He was too much engaged in composition to take any interest in training it, and it was in any case not good enough for him. The Consistory allowed that there were faults on both sides, and hoped that by giving him more time than the eight days he would come to some agreement with the choir: but in vain. For Bach having come fresh from the artistic life of Lübeck found the drudgery of training the rough scholars unbearable. The answer that he was required to give in eight days completely left his mind, and after more than eight months the Consistory again “represented to the organist Bach that he should declare whether, as he has been ordered to do, he will rehearse with the scholars or not; as, if he feels no shame in remaining in the Church and receiving the salary, he must also not be ashamed to ‘make music’ (i.e. rehearse) with the scholars: for it is intended that these should exercise themselves, so that for the future they may have more skill in music.”
Ille.
“Will make the declaration on this subject in writing.”
Ille.
“Furthermore ask him by what power he has latterly allowed the strange maiden to appear, and to make music in the choir.”
Ille.
“Has already spoken about it to Master Uthe.”[20]
The “strange maiden” who made music with Bach in private in the church seems to have been his cousin, Maria Barbara, youngest daughter of Michael Bach of Gehren,[21] whom he married in the following year. It is not known how the matter ended, but Bach, from this time, began to endeavour to find another post.
Second appointment