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."