The composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who lived from 1685 – 1750, is known around the world among musicians and non-musicians alike for such compositions as Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (commonly heard in wedding ceremonies) and the famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (frequently associated with The Phantom of the Opera). A composer in the Baroque Era, Bach’s music is widely studied and performed by numerous scholars and musicians to this very day. However, during his lifetime and one hundred years following his death, Bach and his compositions had very little regard or recognition among other musicians and concertgoers. His unfavorable reputation deemed him little more than a mathematical musician.
It was the composer Felix Mendelssohn (think Wedding March) who, many years after Bach lived, rediscovered the genius and spirituality of Bach’s music. Mendelssohn devoted many years of his life exposing the world and fellow musicians to the glory and power in the compositions of this lost composer. Now, as an act of kindness, this is huge! It took one man (Mendelssohn) to unravel and uncover the dust that had settled for one hundred years on the manuscripts that today inspire and move so many to a closer connection to the Creator. It saddens me deeply to think of my musical training and career to have been devoid of the works of the great Johann Sebastian Bach.
Life is wonderful in so many ways. While most of us will probably never uncover the forgotten tones of a lost musician or artist, never underestimate what one small act of kindness could do to make someone sing out, “It’s a Wonderful Life!”
My life is made wonderful in part due to the spiritual musical depth of the inspiring and divine music of Bach. As Bach signed each of his numerous compositions with Soli Deo Gloria, I too proclaim, To God Alone Be the Glory!
Robert Fasol, Organist and Choirmaster
