[audiobook] Possession: The Curious History of Private Collectors from Antiquity to the Present by Erin Thompson in Arts-Photography

Description

Bach God explores the religious character of Bachs vocal and instrumental music in seven interrelated essays. Noted musicologist Michael Marissen offers wide-ranging interpretive insights from careful biblical and theological scrutiny of the librettos. Yet he also shows how Bachs pitches; rhythms; and tone colors can make contributions to a works plausible meanings that go beyond setting texts in an aesthetically satisfying manner. In some of Bachs vocal repertory; the music puts a "spin" on the words in a way that turns out to be explainable as orthodox Lutheran in its orientation. In a few of Bachs vocal works; his otherwise puzzlingly fierce musical settings serve to underscore now unrecognized or unacknowledged verbal polemics; most unsettlingly so in the case of his church cantatas that express contempt for Jews and Judaism. Finally; even Bachs secular instrumental music; particularly the late collections of "abstract" learned counterpoint; can powerfully project certain elements of traditional Lutheran theology. Bachs music is inexhaustible; and Bach God suggests that through close contextual study there is always more to discover and learn.