Jean-Sébastien Bach
1685-1750 18th century
Daily work offered as praise: turning one's craft, done well, into glory given to God.
Who was Jean-Sébastien Bach?
Orphaned at ten, an organist and then cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig, he wrote music for worship every week while raising a large family marked by bereavement. A Lutheran steeped in the Bible, he annotated his own copy with his reflections and signed his scores Soli Deo Gloria, to God alone the glory. His craftsman's work became one of the highest prayers of Western music.
In their own words
Where there is devotional music, God with his grace is always present.
In honor of the most high God, and for the instruction of my neighbor.
The final aim of all music should be nothing other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.