J.S Bach and God

[steinway23]

A lot has been debated regarding the link of Bach's music with God since he was such a devoted man. I personally have a great love for Bach's music and would love to hear any sharings regarding this issue... How is God actually so evident in J.S Bach's music?

[Daevren]

Its probably more Jesus than god. Bach used symbols in his music. Check this site: https://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~tas3/wtc.html

[pseudopianist]

I read somewhere that Bach dedicated all of his works to God.

[abe]

Bach wrote secular music when he wasn't commisioned to write for the Church. Take for example, the cello suites. But it is possible he dedicated his works to God...i dont know the answer to that.

[Tash]

well i go under the thought that bach had God in mind when he was composing, and if that's the case, his pieces make me want to believe

[Bachtopus]

bach is god

[Tash]

bach is god

i agree

[IllBeBach]

Not god but a blessing from God, as is all music and works of art.

Bach wrote the Latin words Soli Deo Gloria at the end of all his finished manuscripts, dedicating them "to God alone the glory."

[Allan]

Bach's mind was universal, his heart overwhelming and the Spirit of God (which permeated his life and music) is transcendent.  

[thomas_williams]

Here's a good article on the subject (Theologian at the Organ):
https://www.christianitytoday.com.tc/2000/001/9.14.html

And here's a personal story from a great musician of our own time and how his faith and music are so closely connected (classical guitarist Christopher Parkening):
www.parkening.com/cplife1.html
It is a great life story to read and I would encourage you all to check it out!

Regards,
Thomas

[all_black_and_white]

Bach wrote music for the purpose of glorifying God, and to use his talent bestowed upon him by his Creator for HIS glory.

 As to dedicating his music to God - he did.  On his blank manuscript paper, he would often write "J.J" - "Jesu Juva" ("Help me, Jesus"), and upon finished works "I.N.J" -In Nomine Jesu ("In the Name of Jesus"), or "Soli Deo Gloria" - To God Alone Be the Glory.  

  Bach wrote of 1 Cron. 25 - "The chapter is the true foundation for all God-pleasing music", and wrote that "Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with His gracious presence".  He realized the he was only a recipient of God's grace with his giftedness and musical talent - and he sought to secure the reality of this in the minds of his audiences.

 Bach is only one of the many composers that realized this, however...study the life of Handel, Haydn (after his last performance, hands lifter toward heaven said "Not from me - from there, from above, comes everything"), Beethoven ("Almighty God, You look down into my innermost soul, You see into my heart and You know that it is filled with love for humanity and a desire to do good."), Schubert ("Man comes into the world with faith, which is far superior to knowledge and understanding, for to understand a thing one must first of all believe in it.  Reason is nothing more that analyized belief"), Mendlelssohn, and many others.

  I highly recommend "Spiritual Lives of Great Composers" by Patrick Kavanaugh, if you want to know more...excellent read.

 Sarah

[jlh]

"...And so the ultimate end or final purpose of all music and therefore also of the thorough-bass is nothing other than the praise of God and the recreation of the soul'".
-- J.S Bach
(quotation from the thorough -bass primer of 1738)

[Spatula]

Didn't he also write "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring?"

I think that was the first piece I learned with my favorite piano teacher (out of 3 of them)