In the midst of all his occupations Bach found time to conduct public concerts, of which Hilgenfeldt quotes the following advertisement:
“Notice of the Musical Concerts at Leipsic.”
“The two public musical concerts or assemblies, which are held here every week, are still flourishing. One is directed by Herr John Sebastian Bach, Capellmeister to the Grand-duke of Weissenfels, Music director of the Churches of St Thomas and St Nicholas; and it takes place in the Coffee-house of Zimmermann, in Catherine Street, every Friday evening from 8 to 10 o’clock; but during the Fair twice a week, namely, Tuesdays and Fridays. The members of these musical concerts consist for the most part of students, and there are always good musicians among them, so that often, as is known, some of them become in time celebrated performers. Every musician is allowed to perform publicly in these musical concerts, and there are usually some among the audience who are able to judge the value of a competent musician.”
Self-criticism
Bach was a severe critic of his own works. Hilgenfeldt tells us that many of those which did not come up to his ideal of what they should be were cast aside by him, and that such of his youthful works as he considered worth keeping were constantly improved by him and brought to a higher standard. Thus, the first movement of the third organ sonata, which originally belonged to the Wohltemperirte Clavier, was altered to the extent of having large portions cut out, and others essentially changed and improved, so that phrases of small significance obtained an importance of which no signs appeared in the earlier composition.
Teaching
He reserved his teaching for those who could really profit by it, and if he found that a pupil had not sufficient talent, he would, with every kindly courtesy, recommend him not to seek his living by music. The result was that a strong feeling for the dignity and value of art was spread by his pupils, who for the most part attained to important positions in their profession. One of his pupils, Doles, whose name had a place of honour in the old Gewandhaus at Leipsic, was Cantor of St Thomas for thirty-four years (after the death of Harrer), and was held in great esteem as a teacher and composer.
A good standing always maintained
Though at no time rich, Bach was never a poor man. The various payments in kind, such as rent-free dwelling, garden produce, etc., were almost sufficient to support him, and to make his salary available for self-improvement, for journeys, and for the education of his children. And that he was able to collect more than eighty theological works, at a time when books were an expensive luxury, and that he could give no less than three clavichords with pedals at once to his son, Joh. Christian, shows that his position was one of comfort.
Recognition on his death