Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), born on this day in Eisenach, Germany, was best known for his magnificent and complex religious compositions.

The brilliant pianist Frédéric Chopin once said, "Bach is like an astronomer who, with the help of ciphers, finds the most wonderful stars."

A child protégé who lost his parents at a young age, Bach was an extraordinary organist who played and wrote music with unparalleled passion. More than half of his nearly 1,000 compositions honored his Lutheran faith.

"I have worked hard. Anyone who works just as hard will go just as far,"  he said. "Ceaseless work, analysis, reflection, writing much, endless self-correction, that is my secret."

With inspirations that celebrated depth and complexity, Bach was a genius of counterpoint, the ability to combine two or more different lines of music into a harmonious stream. He astounded the musical world with the inventiveness of his fusion.

"Study Bach," recommended classical composer Johannes Brahms. "there you will find everything."

"There is nothing to it," Bach said of his talent. "You only have to hit the right note at the right time, and the instrument plays itself."

Let music refresh your spirit.