Monday, July 28
Commemorations
Johann Sebastian Bach, died 1750; Heinrich Schűtz, d. 1672;
George Frederick Handel, d. 1759; Musicians
Reflection
Known as “the fifth evangelist,” J.S. Bach composed hundreds
of organ and choral works for the church, in addition to hundreds of
instrumental pieces. His choral works include almost 200 cantatas based on
German hymns, according to the Church Year. Bach considered all of his music to
be in the service of God, and his manuscripts often conclude with the motto, Soli Deo Gloria (“To God Alone Be the
Glory”).
Heinrich Schűtz was born 100 years before Bach and was Germany’s
greatest composer before him. He composed melodies and simple, four-part
harmonizations for the psalms, a project which comforted him in the untimely
death of his wife. His studies in Italy
influenced his music, and he served in various capacities in Germany and Copenhagen.
George Frederick Handel was born less than a month before
Bach and within a two-hour drive (according to Map Quest)! Yet the two never
met and their lives took them far apart, Handel living most of his adult life
in London. He
is best known today for his beloved oratorio Messiah. While Bach was buried without ceremony, 3000 mourned
Handel at Westminster Abbey.
Prayer
God of glory, You gave to your servants Bach, Schűtz, and
Handel great and abundant gifts to proclaim your glory and to give us a glimpse
of your beauty. Be present with your servants who seek through music to inspire
the praises offered by your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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