Prologue: Bach and the notion of "musical science"
Springs of musical talent and lifelong influences: Eisenach, 1685-1695
Laying the foundations: Ohrdruf, 1695-1700
Bypassing a musical apprenticeship: from Lüneburg to Weimar, 1700-1703
Building a reputation: organist in Arnstadt and Mühlhausen, 1703-1708
Exploring "every possible artistry": court organist and Cammer Musicus in Weimar, 1708-1714
Expanding musical horizons: concertmaster in Weimar, 1714-1717
Pursing "the musical contest for superiority": capellmeister in Cöthen, 1717-1723
Redefining a venerable office: cantor and music director in Leipzig: the 1720s
Musician and scholar: counterpoint of practice and theory
Traversing conventional boundaries: special engagements: the 1730s
A singing bird and carnations for the lady of the house: domestic and professional life
Contemplating past, present, and future: the final decade: the 1740s
Epilogue: Bach and the idea of "musical perfection."