Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was born on March 8, 1714 in the eastern German city of Weimar. He was the second-eldest son of the celebrated baroque composer, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).

During his own lifetime, C.P.E. Bach achieved fame as composer. He also served as the court harpsichordist for Frederick the Great in Potsdam.

Weimar kicked off celebrations on Saturday with concerts at the Bach family residence, as well as at the St Peter and Paul church and its music conservatory. The event also marked the beginning of the 89th Bach Festival.

kms/se (dpa, epd)