Status Updates From Bach Among the Theologians

Bach’s use of congregational hymns from the hymnal as chorales in his Passions for the purpose of engaging the congregation is fascinating. The result is contrary to what turned out of Haendel’s “Messiah”, which was more often performed in concert rather than in a church service, leading to a large neglect of its theological content.

Oh, no!! My last progress update for a while—the book was due back at the library! I have 13 pages to go (the rest is the index and back matter). I almost made it . . . but not quite.

Struggling with faith in an age of Rationalism and Aufklärung, "I believe, help my unbelief." BWV 109 "Ich glaube, lieber Herr, hilf meinem Unglauben"

I would have liked Pelikan to have shown what this meant for Bach. How did this tension play out in his faith (or personal life)? And how does his music for King Frederick show Bach's "brilliant rationality"? I'm not clear on the connection. Want more info.

Oh no, he’s over-simplifying, and it’s confusing! After spending most of Ch. 1 describing the church year, he’s now conflating it with the secular calendar. He describes sacred Christmas music for January 1st as for the New Year, but the church new year was Nov-Dec, and January 1 had been a separate religious festival back when New Year was in March. Bach’s music celebrated the feast of the circumcision, the 8th day.

Connecting Bach’s music to Luther’s “cristocentric existentialism.” Faith transcends despair. Joyful music even in a chorale about Anfechtung. Interesting observations.