Leopold and Bach: The Kothen Period
Prince Leopold von Anhalt-Kothen survives in most portraits as a sweet, somewhat decadent, Mona Lisa. He has chubby cheeks, pursed lips, and happy, inquisitive eyes. His wig is full and powdered an exquisite white; he wears a full set of armor with a neck sash and hair ribbon; he is never seen as being old, only vibrant and young.Leopold died at an early age but is immortalized through his famous connections.*br* To Johann Sebastion Bach, Leopold was "dearly loved." They met at the wedding of Leopold's sister. She was marrying the bitter rival of Bach's employer. Leopold was so impressed with Bach's wedding music, he offered to him the position of Kappelmeister in Kothen. Bach's former employer, Wilhelm Ernst, forbade him to work with the brother-in-law of his rival. Bach was arrested and imprisoned in Weimar for a month before being dismissed "without honor." He quickly shuffled of to Kothen with his family.*br* Bach started his new job in December of 1717. He had a lot of freedom there. Leopold, having taken over the government from his mother two years earlier, was barely pushing 23 and raring to show off his new musical toys and friends. Kothen had an active Calvinistic and L
Bach was left with four children (three others had died in infancy). In 1719 he went to Berlin to get a new harpsichord for the court. In fact, he seemed to be having the time of his life just producing chamber music in relative freedom, or by making a trip now and then to test an organ. utheran court as well as a former ruler that still held considerable power. Leopold even took his band on tours. *br* Apart from repertoire for the band, Back wrote lots of chamber music in Kothen. It is sad to note that Anna also picks up a life- long resentment form the children of the first marriage, who have nothing to do with her after Bach's death. She was perhaps the most famous anti-musical persona in the history of music. *br* But all wasn't well and good back home. For a man revered almost as a saint in later centuries, this period is somewhat surprising. They would practice all the time, and were reportedly asked to leave the palace by Leopold's mother. Bach was honorary Kappelmeister of Kothen until the prince passed away in 1728. Anna was a gifted soprano and made almost half the salary of Bach. The harpsichord, a Mietke, greatly stimulated his keyboard output.
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