Bach, Wilhelm Friedemann (1710–1784)

German composer. The eldest son of Johann Sebastian Bach, he was also an organist, improviser, and master of counterpoint.

He was educated at St Thomas's School and Leipzig University, and received his musical training from his father. He was appointed organist of St Sophia's, Dresden, in 1723, and in 1746 succeeded Friedrich Zachau as organist of St Mary's, Halle. He married Dorothea Elisabeth Georgi in 1751. He resigned in 1764, and never held another permanent position, living an unsettled life and attempting to support his family mainly by teaching. In 1770 he moved to Brunswick, and in 1774 to Berlin. There his remarkable organ playing could still arouse astonishment, but his last years were spent in increasing poverty.

Works cantatas and other church music; 9 symphonies; keyboard concertos; 9 sonatas, 12 fantasias, and other works for keyboard; organ music.