BACH

     For centuries, classical music lovers have been delighting in the great works of Johannes Sebastian Bach. Few, if any, have known that Bach’s greatest motivation in composing his music was his deep awe and love for God.

     Bach, according to his biographers, was a profoundly religious man. Bitter, a nineteenth century biographer, wrote that Bach was a, "Sincere Christian" and that "His deep religious feeling is shown throughout his life" (Leaver, 1985, 13). It is also a well established fact that Bach was a zealous Lutheran who made evangelical Christianity a central part of his life. Because of his zeal for Christianity he has been referred to as "The fifth evangelist"
(Ibid, 13).

     Being an Orthodox Lutheran, Bach had a profound love for the Bible. By the extensive notes that he wrote beside many scriptural passages in his Bible, we can deduce that he was a serious and reflective student of the Scriptures.

     Unknown to most is Bach’s view of music. His belief was that music was to be composed to give glory to God, as well as for pleasant recreation. In fact, it was his custom to write, "Soli Deo Gloria,"(Only to God be the glory) at the end of many of his works.

     Bach was without doubt one of the greatest composers of all time. Yet, in spite of his greatness, he humbled his great genius before the Creator to whom he dedicated most of his masterpieces. As a result, for the past three centuries, much glory has gone to the great God, through the delight and inspiration that millions have experienced by listening to his music.

__________________

 Leaver, R. J. S. Bach and Scripture. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1985.

Recommended free booklet

Does God Exist?