(“Bach” is the German word for “brook”), but ocean, because of his infinite and inexhaustible wealth of combinations and harmonies.” Like so many other masters throughout history, Bach’s personality had many facets. On one hand, he was free from personal vanity, was generous and encouraging toward his many pupils. The Bach family also had a great reputation for their hospitality. His first biographer, Forkel, notes, “These sociable virtues, together with his great artistic fame, caused his house