My only comfort : death, deliverance, and discipleship in the music of Bach / Calvin R. Stapert.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stapert, Calvin, 1942-

Series:

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship liturgical studies series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bach, Johann Sebastian, 1685-1750. Vocal music.

Bach, Johann Sebastian.

Bach, Johann Sebastian, 1685-1750--Religion.

Bach, Johann Sebastian, 1685-1750.

Church music--Lutheran Church--18th century.

Church music.

Heidelberger Katechismus.

Church music--Lutheran Church.

Religion.

Physical Description:

xviii, 241 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Grand Rapids, Mich. : W.B. Eerdmans, [2000]

Summary:

In the history of Western music, J.S. Bach is unsurpassed in mastery of technique and profundity of thought. He was also a devout Lutheran with a broad knowledge of Scripture and theology. Given Bach's combination of musical prowess, personal devotion, and theological depth, it is not surprising that his music stands unexcelled among artistic expressions of the Christian faith. With the passage of time, however, many of the essential keys to understanding Bach's music have been lost. My Only Comfort uniquely reconnects modern listeners with Bach's music, enabling them to listen to Bach with renewed understanding and appreciation.

After an introduction to Bach, his theological knowledge, his musical language, and the various genres of sacred music in his output, Calvin Stapert leads readers through specific works by Bach that express, interpret, and vivify some of the principal doctrines of the Christian faith. For each work discussed, Stapert provides relevant quotations from the Heidelberg Catechism (a novel and provocative approach to the study of Bach), a literal translation of the text set beside the German original, and textual and musical commentary meant to contribute to a more perceptive and devotional listening to the work.

Contents:

"Essential" and "Canonical" Bach 3

Bach the Theologian 7

Bach's Musical Language 12

Cantatas 20

Motets 29

Chorale Preludes 31

Passions and Oratorios 33

Mass in B Minor 42

The Catechism in Bach's Works

Prologue: My Only Comfort 51

Motet: Furchte dich nicht

Part I Death 62

Chorale Prelude: "Durch Adams Fall"

Cantata 199: Mein Herz schwimmt in Blut

Part II Deliverance 74

What Kind of Deliverer? 75

Cantata 61: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland

What Must a Christian Believe? 87

Credo from Mass in B Minor

Birth of Jesus 101

Christmas Oratorio, Part II

Death of Jesus 112

The Passions

Resurrection of Jesus 148

Cantata 4: Christ lag in Todes Banden

Part III Discipleship 165

Coming-to-Life of the New Self 166

Three Chorale Preludes on "Dies sind die heiligen zehn Gebot"

Cantata 77: Du sollst Gott, deinen Herren, lieben

Anointed to Confess His Name 178

Cantata 147: Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben

Anointed to Be a Living Sacrifice 192

Cantata 56: Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen

Anointed to Reign with Him Eternally 204

Cantata 140: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme

"Gloria" from Mass in B Minor

"Sanctus" from Mass in B Minor

"Dona nobis pacem" from Mass in B Minor.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 231-234) and index.

ISBN:

0802844723

OCLC:

43186149