after telemann died at the end of 1767, bach was able to replace him as the director of church music for the five churches in hamburg. his duties included teaching music, and organising about 200 musical performances a year. this position allowed bach to write church music including 21 settings of the passion, 70 cantatas, motets and liturgies. he also organised concerts and other performances throughout the year. bach became ill in the summer of 1788 and died from a chest ailment on 14 december. he was buried in the church of st. michael in hamburg. his grave was forgotten, and only rediscovered in 1925.