An important contemporary of J.S. Bach, Fasch studied at Leipzig University. He failed to obtain the position of Cantor at the Choir School of St Thomas (for which his friend Telemann was at first preferred and to which Bach was finally appointed) but served from 1722 as Kapellmeister at Zerbst. He enjoyed a considerable reputation in his own time and his music was both admired and transcribed by Bach, whose posthumous fame greatly overshadowed him, especially in the 19th century.

Church Music

Fasch’s church music includes 12 cycles of church cantatas, psalm settings and Masses.

Instrumental Music

Fasch was equally prolific as a composer of instrumental music. He wrote some 90 overture-suites, 68 concertos, 19 symphonies and 18 trio sonatas. His work shows particular originality, and he created a musical vocabulary akin to that of composers in the Classical era yet to make an impact.