The point of departure for this informative and intriguing book is the legendary meeting between J.S. Bach and Frederick the Great in 1747. The two protagonists are portrayed in a social, family and political context encompassing the generations of their forefathers. 

The two lines of their respective lives are held against each other alternately until they meet, as in a note against note counterpoint. The meeting is portrayed clearly, never getting lost in pathos. 

Although one may expect that the book could be complete after this, it goes on to portray their remaining lives. This is followed by a history of the reception of Bachs works beginning with Carl Phillip Emanuel Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn/Zelter, Wagner and Brahms up to Hindemith, Adorno and the revival of early performance practice through Harnoncourt and Leonhardt. Parallel to this, the influence of Frederick the Great posthumous, the history of Prussia and in consequence the German state up to the Fall of the Berlin wall, are portrayed without losing relevance to the two protagonists and the meeting, which gave arise to "The Musical Offering". 

I read it in German, but i believe the original is in english.

 An excellent read. 

Thank you James R. Gaines.