Becoming Bach

For Johan Sebastian, there was always music. This amazingly colorful picture book introduces the life of a man that wanted to become a “bach” (a musician). He took the patterns he heard and saw and created music from that. These patterns that he turned into melodies and song made him one of the most important composers of all time (though it was not always that way). Bach’s story is captivating. Read the illustrations of Leonard as they are works of art by themselves.

The story is very simple. Yet, still a good introduction to the man that would-be Bach. There could be more background information (if a bach was a musician, does that mean his family name was different?) This and some other holes in the text/story should hopefully make the reader go on and learn more about the artist. However, if you never read a word, the illustrations alone are worth the price of the book. I will be recommending this to all the customers in my store for that reason alone.  “Looking for a book on cats? Who cares! This book is much better!!”  I would seriously frame these illustrations.  The colors are explosive.  I would even dare say, musical.

Much of what the modern person knows of someone like Bach, especially if you have not immersed yourself in the musical world, is “pop culture” you always assume he was as admired as he is today. The fact there was a time when he was not considered great, is interesting. The fact that a famous being had to struggle like us does help humanize a character.