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J. S. Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) was a master composer, known equally for his secular and sacred works for choir, orchestra, and solo instrument. Among his numerous famous compositions, the Brandenburg concertos, Goldberg Variations, and Cello Suites remain popular the world-over. This concise but thorough look at the life of one of the world’s greatest Germanic composers covers his travels, his many musical achievements, his happy and musical family, and the key role that his Lutheran beliefs played in his works and life.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 24, 2018
"When asked whether the St. Matthew Passion is the greatest work ever composed, Masaki Suzuki, conductor of the Bach Collegium Japan, responded affirmatively [...]"
While attempts to identify "the greatest work ever composed" are rather frivolous, if one were to treat them seriously no other composer would be more frequently mentioned by musicologists than Johann Sebastian Bach, and the St. Matthew Passion would certainly be close to the top, if not at the very top of their choices. The Erbarme dich, mein Gott aria for contralto from Passion is certainly the most beautiful piece of music I know, transcendent and sublime (look for Delphine Galou's performance on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBeXF... ). And, of course, Bach is my favorite composer.
J.S. Bach (2009) by Calvin R. Stapert is the second Bach's biography I have recently read, after Geck's Bach. Life & Times and I like this one a bit more, mainly because the author does not offer annoying running commentary to his own text as the other book does. Still, the author (or maybe it is the publisher) insists on typographical affectation of frequently repeating the most important sentences of the text at the top of the page.
The main emphasis of this biography is on religious roots of Bach's music. The author writes:
It is obviously very difficult to try to summarize Bach's tremendous opus in a few short phrases, yet the author does a good job when he states that the composer had always been working towards the goal of "well-regulated church music," and repeats this phrase in two different places of the text. Another key feature of Bach's work is noted as well
Three-and-a-half stars.
While attempts to identify "the greatest work ever composed" are rather frivolous, if one were to treat them seriously no other composer would be more frequently mentioned by musicologists than Johann Sebastian Bach, and the St. Matthew Passion would certainly be close to the top, if not at the very top of their choices. The Erbarme dich, mein Gott aria for contralto from Passion is certainly the most beautiful piece of music I know, transcendent and sublime (look for Delphine Galou's performance on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBeXF... ). And, of course, Bach is my favorite composer.
J.S. Bach (2009) by Calvin R. Stapert is the second Bach's biography I have recently read, after Geck's Bach. Life & Times and I like this one a bit more, mainly because the author does not offer annoying running commentary to his own text as the other book does. Still, the author (or maybe it is the publisher) insists on typographical affectation of frequently repeating the most important sentences of the text at the top of the page.
The main emphasis of this biography is on religious roots of Bach's music. The author writes:
"I have made the assumption that Bach's thinking, indeed his whole being, was shaped by theology [of the Lutheran Reformation], a theology that he inherited from his ancestors and was given expression in the texts he set to music."When discussing vocal works the author focuses on the theological content of the texts. He writes that he takes the theology expressed in those texts as "the key to Bach's own thoughts and feelings."
It is obviously very difficult to try to summarize Bach's tremendous opus in a few short phrases, yet the author does a good job when he states that the composer had always been working towards the goal of "well-regulated church music," and repeats this phrase in two different places of the text. Another key feature of Bach's work is noted as well
"[... these works] exhibit Bach's 'summa' mentality, that is his drive to do something comprehensively, to provide a 'summation', or to bring something to the 'summit' of its development."I like the author's treatment of Bach's cantatas - the chronology, complexity of their form, and intense involvement with the chorale. My most favorite cantata (BWV 140, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme) is mentioned as well. I have also enjoyed some personal tidbits about Bach's life: the funny story about his troubles with students in Arnstadt, and even funnier incident of Bach being reprimanded for having a young woman visit him in the choir loft. I also like the author's perhaps surprising observation in the Epilogue:
"The extraordinary quality that posterity has heard in Bach's music makes a stark contrast not only with how most of his contemporaries heard it but also with the ordinariness of Bach's life."An interesting, worthwhile read, and a "must read" for any J.S. Bach fan.
Three-and-a-half stars.
April 15, 2020
Any "student" of J.S. Bach will enjoy the book by Calvin Stapert. The book includes theoretical analysis of the compositions and insights into the personal life of the composer. The author addresses a broad range of subjects including the religious, cultural, artistic and political movements during the life of the composer. J.S. Bach by Calvin Stapert is essential reading for a Christian musician. For the musician in a Protestant tradition, the book provides a historical foundation for the purpose and meaning of music in worship, in the church and in the "secular" world. The life and music of J.S. Bach portrayed in the book is an affirmation of faith and confidence in God. The book is inspirational!
July 11, 2011
We all are familiar with the music of Johan Sebastian Bach, but do we know the life? Do we know the man? I would venture to guess no, simply because very little is known about the 17 and 18th Century German composer. Most of what is known about Bach is drawn from his eulogy and historic government documents but thankfully and amazingly large collections of his music remains.
From what we do know we can tell that the Bach family were renowned musicians, and music was their trade, even down to Johan Sebastian’s children. As Bach’s life proceeded it became evident that this was not a pampered life characterized by open door after open door, but a complex life filled with many jobs, hankering for promotions, missing out on positions, getting wage raises and moving from town to town for new vocational opportunities. Hardly the situation the most celebrated composer in history should endure.
Bach’s music was as remarkable then as it is now, but hardly as recognized, as politics and city ties were as important as talent. But he was a humble man, lovingly serving the Lord with his cantatas, toccatas and sonatas in courts, churches and government openings. Bach had two wives; the second of which birthed 13 children in 19 years, and his music reflected much of the heart-ache he felt through the death of many children, a wife and numerous family members.
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Bach’s story was how he initiated his compositions. Each morning he would spend time with the Lord, reflect on the Scriptures and write down inspired words. Later he would take these words and create his works with them as the backbone. He was industrious, obedient and ridiculously talented, and thankfully we are still blessed with many of his pieces.
From what we do know we can tell that the Bach family were renowned musicians, and music was their trade, even down to Johan Sebastian’s children. As Bach’s life proceeded it became evident that this was not a pampered life characterized by open door after open door, but a complex life filled with many jobs, hankering for promotions, missing out on positions, getting wage raises and moving from town to town for new vocational opportunities. Hardly the situation the most celebrated composer in history should endure.
Bach’s music was as remarkable then as it is now, but hardly as recognized, as politics and city ties were as important as talent. But he was a humble man, lovingly serving the Lord with his cantatas, toccatas and sonatas in courts, churches and government openings. Bach had two wives; the second of which birthed 13 children in 19 years, and his music reflected much of the heart-ache he felt through the death of many children, a wife and numerous family members.
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Bach’s story was how he initiated his compositions. Each morning he would spend time with the Lord, reflect on the Scriptures and write down inspired words. Later he would take these words and create his works with them as the backbone. He was industrious, obedient and ridiculously talented, and thankfully we are still blessed with many of his pieces.
April 20, 2012
This is a short and less detailed biography for a person whose stature in history of music is highly valued.
Although, Stapert is a known expert for Bach, this memoir for Bach is not compensating such great knowledge. The story was told in disordered, non-chronological, which such case often mislead my reading, and in roughly coordinated manner.
Although, Stapert is a known expert for Bach, this memoir for Bach is not compensating such great knowledge. The story was told in disordered, non-chronological, which such case often mislead my reading, and in roughly coordinated manner.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews