Title: Bach among the theologians /
Authors: Pelikan, Jaroslav,
Date: 1986
Publisher: Fortress Press,
Physical description: xiv, 158 pages ; 23 cm
Language: English
LC classification: M
Abstract: BACH AMONG THE THEOLOGIANS is Pelikan's appreciation of Bach as a highly creative man who was truly a man of his own time. He puts to rest the somewhat artificial argument about the sacred and secular strains in Bach's work. This "tension" ultimately does not seem to have been as big a deal for Bach as it has become for modern historians, musicians, theologians, etc. Perhaps, because Bach's sense of the sacred was much more encompassing than we highly compartmentalized moderns ever allow it to be. In any case, the fact that so many highly divergent groups want to claim Bach as their own is probably sufficient proof of Bach's transcendent greatness.
Contents: 1. The four seasons of J. S. Bach -- 2. The musical heritage of the Reformation -- 3. Rationalism and aufklarung in Bach's career -- 4. Confessional orthodoxy in Bach's religion -- 5. Pietism, piety, and devotion in Bach's cantatas -- 6. Themes and variations in the Bach passions -- 7. "Meditation on human redemption" in the Saint Matthew Passion -- 8. "Christus Victor" in the Saint John Passion -- 9. Aesthetics and evangelical catholicity in the B-minor Mass -- 10. Johann Sebastian Bach between sacred and secular notes -- 11. Notes -- 12. Index.
Notes: Includes index.
Subject headings (LCSH): Bach, Johann Sebastian, 1685-1750--Criticism and interpretation.; Bach, Johann Sebastian, 1685-1750--Religion.; Lutheran Church--Doctrines--History; Lutheran Church--Doctrines.; Theology, Lutheran.