What was music like in bach's time And what instrument did the leader play during this period of time?

In Bach's time, music was characterized by the Baroque style, which featured elaborate ornamentation, contrast between musical ideas, and a strong emphasis on harmony and counterpoint. The use of instruments like the harpsichord and organ was prevalent, with orchestras typically including strings, woodwinds, and brass. The leader of the ensemble, often the first violinist or a conductor, would guide the performance, and in many cases, would also play a keyboard instrument, such as the harpsichord, to provide harmony and direction.