Johann Sebastian Bach (pronounce [joˈhan/ˈjoːhan zeˈbastjan ˈbax]) (March 21, 1685 O.S. – July 28, 1750 N.S.) was a German composer and organist whose sacred and secular works for choir, orchestra, and solo instruments drew together the strands of the Baroque period and brought it to its ultimate maturity. Although he introduced no new forms, he enriched the prevailing German style with a robust contrapuntal technique, an unrivalled control of harmonic and motivic organisation in composition for diverse musical forces, and the adaptation of rhythms and textures from abroad, particularly Italy and France.