Christian Encounter Series - J.S. Bach
Author: Rick Marschall
Review: 3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Although I will joyfully listen to anything Mozart, weep at the 2nd movement of Beethoven’s Pathetique, and rejoice while listening to and singing along with Handel’s Messiah, my favorite classical composer, by far, is Johann Sebastian Bach. He’s my favorite not only because his music is extraordinary but because he wrote his music - all of his music - for the Glory of God.
This book definitely brings out Bach’s commitment to God throughout. I loved reading tidbits about his family life and in particular enjoyed the later chapter about Bach’s love for the organ (my dad is a big organ guy).
If you love and appreciate classical music, you’ll enjoy the book too. If you’re not a big fan of classical music, this book might be a stretch for you. It could be helpful, however, for students writing a paper on Bach. It’s fairly elementary in presentation and an easy read.
That said, however, I have to agree with THIS REVIEW on Amazon where the reviewer said:
“The book overflows with editorializing, which devolves into hagiography in the final chapter. Marschall quotes musicians and authors paying tribute to Bach as, among other things, "Our Dear Lord of music," whom every composer "would do well to pray to him before commencing work"; as "the god of music"; and, as "godlike." Not only would Bach have disapproved of the sentiments, he would also have been horrified that his biographer would let such blasphemy stand uncorrected.
As if that wasn't enough, the book also delves into psychology, quoting and elaborating on a discussion of whether Bach's expressions of humility were merely ways of his darker and blasphemous side at bay.”
And that’s why I can’t give the book 4 or 5 stars as much as I enjoyed it.
I received this book for free from BookSneeze.com in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required.
Got a Kindle? You can read the first chapter for free on Amazon.