Bach, Johann Christoph Friedrich (1732–1795)

German composer. Among his most notable works are the oratorios on words by Johann Gottfried Herder (attached to the court at Bückeburg 1771–74), Die Kindheit Jesu and Die Auferweckung Lazarus; a third oratorio and an opera, Brutus, both on words by the same poet, are lost.

The ninth son of Johann Sebastian Bach, he was educated at St Thomas's School and Leipzig University, where he studied law. He received his music training from his father, and in 1750 was appointed chamber musician to Count Wilhelm of Schaumburg-Lippe in Bückeburg, where he remained for the rest of his life, becoming Konzertmeister in 1759. He married the court singer Elisabeth Münchhausen in 1755. In 1778 he visited his brother Johann Christian in London.

Other works include the Passion oratorio Der Tod Jesu (words by Ramler); cantatas (some with Herder); 20 symphonies; keyboard concertos and sonatas; chamber music.