Discovery of Bach's Bible: over 400 notations

mpr.org ^ | Mar 2002 | MPR

[cornelis]

Link to listen.

(need a player? Download RealOne player )

Listen to the discovery of J. S. Bach's Bible: over 400 notations and a music from the Mass in B-minor

"In devotional music, God is always present with his grace" --J.S. Bach

"No longer can we simply do academic performances of his work."

Dr. Thomas Rossin, musical director of Twin Cities-based chamber choir and orchestra Exultate, recently brought Bach's bible to the MPR studios. He has done his doctoral dissertation on the discovery of this treasure and on the nearly 400 notations Bach made in the books.

Not only does Dr. Rossin's work give us great insight into Bach's music, but also we are given a new perspective on the place of music and faith in the great master's life.

Classical 24 announcer Lynne Warfel-Holt spoke with Rossin about the history of Bach's personal bible. The interview begins with Rossin explaining the interesting circumstances surrounding how and where the bible was found.

[Savage Beast]

I know what you mean. I can't resist being overwhelmed by Wagner in spite of myself. I attended Wolfgang Windgassen's farewall permance of Tristan at Beyreuth. Birgit Nihlssen sang Isolde. The final curtain call lasted an hour and a half. The stage was covered with flowers.

[Askel5]

Bach signed most of his pieces of music "Soli Gloria Deo" --meaning "To God alone be the Glory."

Thanks for the thread, cornelis.

[Savage Beast]

The Liebestod sung by Leontyne Price is especially beautiful--lyrical and lovely.

[homeschool mama]

**Bach signed most of his pieces of music "Soli Gloria Deo" --meaning "To God alone be the Glory." **

I wasn't aware of this. Thank you.

[JMJ333]

I am dyslexic. It is actually "Soli Deo Gloria" in correct latin =)

[Savage Beast]

My wife is a baroque keyboard musician. Our home has been filled with some of the most gorgeous music, amazing musicians.

[homeschool mama]

We're beginning Latin this year (September)...so I thank you. :o)

[homeschool mama]

You're blessed to have a wife with such gifts.

[cornelis]

You might try rounding up music with Latin text. Bach's Magnificat is in Latin

[SWake]

There's only one thing I hate,
Cause it's a bunch of cr@p!
IIIIIIIII hate rap.

I always thought the perfect callsign for an "urban" radio station would be K-R-A-P, 'cause it's either k-RAP or cr@p, depending on your perspective.

[JMJ333]

=)

[Optimist]

Ahhhhhhhh, Bachhhhh!

[cornelis]

Thanks, Ciexyz.

[RightWhale]

If you can't sing maybe you can play an instrument. Do you? Bach is excellent study material for basics. Many bassists spend some time with Bach along the way.

[Charles Henrickson]

If you follow the links in the story and listen to the interview, you'll hear Dr. Rossin mention where he did his research on the Bach Bible--at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. It just so happens that Concordia Seminary is where I am currently working on my Ph.D. and from where I received my M.Div. and S.T.M. degrees. So when I saw this thread, it naturally caught my attention! I am very much aware of the Bach Bible, since it is housed here in the Rare Book Room of our library! Here is a link to the page on our website, along with some pictures:

Bach Calov Bible pages - Concordia Seminary Library

J. S. Bach (1685-1750) was a Lutheran church organist. He wrote his music for the church. Every year Concordia Seminary-St. Louis hosts a number of sacred concerts featuring his music, in a series called, Bach at the Sem

[cornelis]

I reckon Dr. Rossin had to learn Moravian Script

[cornelis]

Sorry, Old German Script.

[Charles Henrickson]

When I studied German, the term that was used for that Old German script was Fraktur.

[homeschool mama]

**You might try rounding up music with Latin text. Bach's Magnificat is in Latin **

Thank you for the suggestion. Actually, in September my daughter will be taking a Latin class. I'll be sitting in so I'm certain plenty will be absorbed in my thick skull...one can hope. I remember very little Latin from a Master Chorale I was in for many years. Looking forward to this so much!

[SkyPilot]

Bach signed most of his pieces of music "Soli Gloria Deo" --meaning "To God alone be the Glory."

Bach, Sir Issac Newton, Pascal, all Christian men of faith.

Gee, what is the Washington Post to do? They told us that all Christians were ignorant, easy to command, and fumbling for their TV Guide?