Johann Sebastian Bach’s music is considered among the greatest artistic expressions of human history. But in his lifetime, Bach was not one to boast. He lived a quiet life of hard work and dedication to his art, his faith, and his family. He received little recognition for his work in his lifetime, and he demanded little acclaim. Driven by a quiet, Lutheran piety, Bach worked as a church organist while he raised a large family and supplemented his family’s income tutoring young students in music and Latin. To hear him describe himself, he was nothing exceptional. “I was obliged to work hard.” Bach said. “Whoever is equally industrious will succeed just as well.” Bach’s music speaks of an inspiration that was dynamically tied to Bach’s faith. Whether writing sacred or secular music, Bach considered all of his art for the glory of God. On his blank music sheets, he was known to write, “Jesus, help me” and “In the Name of Jesus.” At the end of each finished composition, he would sign his works, Soli Deo Gloria - “To God Alone, the Glory!” Prayers and poems of praise were scribbled on Bach’s manuscripts, revealing a joyful delight in his life and in his God. “On land, on sea, at home, abroad,” Bach wrote, “I smoke my pipe and worship God.” This simple, joyful faith inspired the greatest music in Christian history, music which continues to speak of the transcendent truths and joys of Christianity to such a profound degree that Bach has been nicknamed, “The Fifth Evangelist.”
Sound out your majesty, O God, and call us to your work; that, like thy servant Johann Sebastian Bach, we might present our lives and our works to your glory alone; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Art & bio by Ben Lansing
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