Veit Bach facts for kids

The Veit Bach Mill, at Wechmar.

Vitus "Veit" Bach (born around 1550 in Pozsony, which is now Bratislava, Slovakia; died 8 March 1619 in Wechmar, Germany) was a German baker and miller. He is known for starting the famous Bach family of musicians. One of his most famous descendants was Johann Sebastian Bach.

Who Was Veit Bach?

Veit Bach was the great-great-grandfather of the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach. He was born around 1550. He worked as a baker and a miller.

Why Did Veit Bach Move?

Veit Bach was a Protestant. At that time, the Kingdom of Hungary was controlled by the Habsburgs. The Habsburgs were very strong Roman Catholics. Because of this, Protestants like Veit Bach faced religious persecution. This means they were treated badly for their beliefs. To escape this, Veit Bach moved to Wechmar. Wechmar is a small village in the German state of Thuringia.

The Bach Family in Wechmar

Veit Bach's family continued to live in Wechmar for many years. His son, Johannes Bach I (born around 1580, died 1626), also lived there. Johannes Bach was the grandfather of Johann Ambrosius Bach. Johann Ambrosius Bach was the father of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Later, Christoph Bach, who was Johann Sebastian Bach's grandfather, moved away. He went to Erfurt to become a town musician. These musicians were called Stadtpfeifer. They played music for the town. Veit Bach's son, Johannes Bach, also studied music. He learned from the town's head piper.

See also

• Bach's Nekrolog