Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Bach and Robert Chen

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, established in 1891 by Theodore Thomas, stands as a top American orchestra, renowned for precision and rich sound. It gained prominence under conductors like Fritz Reiner, who started its recording legacy, and Sir Georg Solti, substantially boosting its global acclaim and record sales. Their works with Mahler and Bruckner became iconic. Solti won the most Grammy Awards of any musician. The orchestra continuously reissues past revered recordings, maintaining its legacy. Recently, artists like Jessie Montgomery and Hilary Hahn collaborated with the ensemble.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), born in Eisenach, Germany, was a pivotal Baroque composer. Renowned for his mastery of counterpoint and polyphony, he enriched German styles with Italian and French influences. His prolific output includes iconic works like the Brandenburg Concertos, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Mass in B Minor, and Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Bach is celebrated as one of history's greatest composers, whose genius continues to inspire.