March 31, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, March 31.
Today is the 340th birthday of my favorite musician. On March 31, 1685, Johann Sebastian Bach was born. Bach is on the shortlist of the greatest composers in the history of Western civilization - along with famous names like Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Bernstein. But that’s not the reason he’s my favorite.
During his lifetime, Bach’s music was largely unknown or ignored. He was famous, not for composing, but for being a performer, an organist. And his skill as a keyboardist, especially in the technique of improvisation, was said to have been nothing less than amazing. But that’s not the reason he’s my favorite.
Bach’s music went unplayed and largely forgotten for almost a hundred years after his death in 1750. The “Bach Revival” of the 19th century introduced his work to a new generation, and he’s been on the Mount Rushmore of musicians ever since. But, with all that fame and skill and genius, he’s my favorite for another reason - he’s my favorite because he was a church musician - like me. For his entire working life, which spanned half a century, he made his living and supported his big family (20 kids!) by serving as a director of music at Lutheran churches.
And so, considering that career choice, that “calling”, it’s not surprising that Bach said -
“I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music.”
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God.”
And on his deathbed, Johann Sebastian Bach, said - “Do not cry for me, I am going where music was born.”
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
