Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen
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Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Cöthen (28 November 1694 O.S. – 19 November 1728 N.S.) was Prince of Anhalt-Cöthen. Today, he is probably best remembered for employing Johann Sebastian Bach as his Kapellmeister from December 1717 to April 1723.
[edit] Relationship with J.S. Bach
Prince Leopold most likely made Bach's acquaintance at the wedding of Leopold's sister at his mother's castle at Nienburg on January 24, 1716.
Bach composed several cantatas and a serenade in Leopold's honour. Prince Leopold was a godfather to Bach's son, Leopold Augustus, who died in infancy in 1719.
In 1721 Prince Leopold married his 19 year old cousin, Frederica Henrietta von Anhalt-Bernburg, at Bernburg on December 11.
Bach arrived on March 23, 1729, to perform an original work (now lost) for the Prince's funeral.
