Not all the Bachs, however, were great musicians. But every generation boasted some of them who were more than usually distinguished. In the first quarter of the seventeenth century three of Veit Bach’s grandchildren showed such exceptional talent that the Count of Schwarzburg-Arnstadt thought it worth while to send them at his expense to Italy, then the chief school of music, to perfect themselves in the art.(26) We do not know whether they rewarded the expectations of their patron, for none of their works has survived. The fourth generation(27) of the family produced musicians of exceptional distinction, and several of their compositions, thanks to Johann Sebastian Bach’s regard for them, have come down to us. The most notable of these Bachs are: 1. Johann Christoph Bach, Court and Town Organist at Eisenach.(28) He was particularly happy in his beautiful melodies and in setting words to music. In the _Archives of the Bachs,_(29) which was in Carl Philipp Emmanuel’s possession at Hamburg, there is a Motet by Johann Christoph in which he boldly uses the augmented sixth, a proceeding considered extremely daring in his day.(30) He was also an uncommon master of harmony, as may be inferred from a Cantata composed by him for Michaelmas, to the words “Es erhub sich ein Streit,” etc., which has twenty-two obbligato parts in correct harmony.(31) Yet another proof of his rare skill is in the alleged fact that he never played the Organ or Clavier in less than five parts.(32) Carl Philipp Emmanuel had a particularly warm regard for him.(33) I remember the old man playing some of his compositions to me on the Clavier at Hamburg, and how quizzically he looked at me when one of these daring passages occurred.(34) 2. Johann Michael Bach, Organist and Town Clerk at Gehren.(35) He was the younger brother of Johann Christoph, and like him, a particularly good composer. The Archives already mentioned(36) contain several of his Motets, including one for eight voices in double chorus,(37) and many compositions for Church use. 3. Johann Bernhard Bach, Musician in the Prince’s Kapelle and Organist at Eisenach.(38)He is said to have composed remarkably fine Suites, or Overtures, in the French style.(39)