Guide to Bach Tour

Contents

Description

Not far from Ohdruf lies the village of Wechmar (3,200 inhabitants). It is, as it were, the cradle of the Bach family. J.S. Bach's great great grandfather Veit Bach started the family tradition in the 16^th century. He came as baker and miller from Hungary. The home of the Bachs in the Bachstrasse 4 is a typical Franconian half-timbered house from the 16^th century with a so-called Thuringian ladder, also known as the Bach ancestral house, is Bach memorial and museum of the Thuringian music players and instrument makers. tt presents documens and portraits as well as furniture from the time of the Bachs in Wechmar from 1561 to 1825. A plaque reminds us of Veit Bach and his son Hans, who was known as the "Music Player of Wechmar". The three grandchildren Johann, Christoph and Heinrich were also born here. The Lower Mill (NiedermOhle) also belonged to Veit Bach and is called the Bach Mill today. It was later bequeathed to his son.

Events in Life History of J.S. Bach

Date/Year	Event
Prior J.S. Bach’s Birth (1600-1685)
c1600	Velt Bach (J.S. Bach’s great great grandfather) and his son Johann(es) [Hans] Bach (born c 1550) run a bakery and a mill in Wechmar
Apr 19, 1613	Birth of Christoph Bach (J.S. Bach’s grandfather) in Wechmar
1626	Death of Johann(es) [Hans] Bach (J.S. Bach’s great grandfather) in Wechmar

Performance Dates of J.S. Bach’s Vocal Works: None.

Features of Interest

Information & Links

Bach-Stammhaus Wechmar: A museum was set up in the old upper bakery of Wechmar in 1994. Interesting items relating to the life and works of the Wechmar Bach family are exhibited in the Bach memorial house. A choirmaster's room is dedicated to the Wechma.rchoirmaster and Boys' School teacher Ernst Christian Bach (1747-1822).
Since July 1997, the upper floor has also housed the Museum of Thuringian Players and Instrument Makers. As well as old musical instruments, exhibits include a historic organ and a violin-making workshop. One room is dedicated to the baronial family of Wechmar, which resided in Wechmar until 1461 and which produced important personalities in the spheres of art, politics and the military. A permanent exhibition entitled "A famous family with extraordinary talent", includes portraits and documents relating to the family history. There are also alternating gallery exhibitions.
Visitors can stop for a drink or a bite to eat, or enjoy a guided thematic tour of the town "In the footsteps of Bach", including a visit to St. Vitus' Church. Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 1 -5 pm (and by prior arrangement).

Bach-Stammhaus Wechmar
Bachstrasse 4
D-98869 Günthersleben-Wechmar
Germany
Tel: +49-36256 / Fax: +49-22680

Günthersleben-Wechmar (Meinestadt) [German]
Cityreview: Thüringen > Günthersleben-Wechmar [German]

Wechmar & Bach [German]
Bach-Stammhaus Wechmar (Museen in Thüringen) [German]

Prepared by Aryeh Oron (October 2003 – March 2004)

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Last update: ýMarch 26, 2004 ý09:39:10