His fame was considerably greater during his lifetime that that of J. S. Bach. The last forty-six years of his life were spent in Hamburg, where he was director of music for the city. He took this position in preference to that of cantor of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. The latter position was then assumed by Bach, who after Telemann was second choice of the church council. Telemann remained relatively unknown during the 19th century and early part of the 20th century. However, the revival of interest in Baroque music during the past fifty years has brought his music to the fore again, particularly the orchestral and chamber music.