Leipzig
Bach arrived at Leipzig in 1723 and remained there for the rest of his life. A university city, Leipzig was also a trade center. Although it was not a princely residence, members of its ruling council had close connections with the reigning duke-elector in Dresden. This chapter describes Bach’s place in the city’s St. Thomas School and his relationships with members of the city’s ruling class and intelligentsia, including the poets and university faculty and students with whom he collaborated. Also considered is the city’s musical life, including Bach’s direction of the Collegium Musicum and his first self-published compositions, as well as the first instances of conflict between Bach and members of the city council and church administration.