Customer Reviews

J.S. Bach and Scripture: Glosses from the Calov Bible Commentary

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This book was a surprise. Being interested in knowing about JS Bach's devotional life, I expected to read a commentary on Bach's interlinear comments in his copy of the Calov Bible Commentary. Indeed, the book does have that, but it also has, which was a nice surprise, high quality reproductions (photos) of the actual pages in the commentary with Bach's handwriting. Hence, this book becomes a facsimile edition, and the low price is unheard of for a book of this quality (cloth cover, high quality paper, etc). Highly recommended not only for the music scholar, but any lover of Bach's music who wants to know more about what made the man tick.

Concurring very much with Reviewer Yeo that this book is tremendous bargain and treasure in that it provides not only commentary on glosses of Bach's Cavlov Bible, but also facsimilie as well.

Leaver does us the great favor of providing as well fascinating story about this Bach Bible turning up here in US, and various views of Bach, music and his faith. This section defending Bach against charges of his "supposed apostasy" while not composing for church specifically, are well countered by Leaver and selected quotes. Not only the infamous statement about all music being to God's glory, but jsb's comment as well in 2 Ch. 5:13 "how the glory of the Lord appeared after beautiful music" is beneficial and instructive.

As Bach is such a great gift to the Church, this volume then provides map for seeing glimpses of what was behind Cantatas, etc. in Bach's spiritual informed mind and composing pen.

Rich, handsome volume with great font and style.

Ever since I saw this book at Concordia Historical Institute in St. Louis, Missouri, I knew I wanted to get multiple copies of it, one at a time. It answered a question an organist at my church had asked.
I think she really liked it also. Then after that I kept finding other people I wanted to get it for (that is if I didn't have to spend
over $100 for it).