1. Sacred Vocal Music: Bach composed a vast amount of sacred vocal music, primarily cantatas and passions, which were performed in church services. His most renowned works include the "St. Matthew Passion" and "St. John Passion."
2. Organ Music: Bach was a renowned organ virtuoso and is considered one of the greatest organ composers in history. He composed numerous organ works, including chorale preludes, fugues, toccatas, and concertos.
3. Keyboard Music: Beyond organ music, Bach composed a substantial amount of keyboard music for instruments like the harpsichord and clavichord. His well-known works in this area include "The Well-Tempered Clavier," a collection of preludes and fugues in all major and minor keys, demonstrating his mastery of the fugue form.
4. Orchestral Music: Bach composed concertos for various solo instruments, including violin, harpsichord, and orchestra. His "Brandenburg Concertos" and "Orchestral Suites" are widely admired for their intricate counterpoint and structural perfection.
5. Chamber Music: Bach also composed chamber music, such as sonatas, trios, and concertos for small ensembles. His "Cello Suites" for unaccompanied cello are recognized as some of the most profound and technically challenging pieces in the cello repertoire.
6. Vocal Solo Works: Bach composed solo cantatas and arias, showcasing his understanding of vocal technique and expressiveness.
7. Lutheran Hymns and Chorales: Bach arranged and harmonized numerous Lutheran hymns, contributing significantly to the Lutheran musical tradition.
Overall, J. S. Bach's musical legacy encompasses a diverse range of genres and forms, demonstrating his mastery and versatility across different musical styles and instruments, leaving an indelible impact on Western classical music.