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Bach's Major Vocal Works: Music, Drama, Liturgy

by Markus Rathey
Yale Univ. Mar. 2016. 256p. notes. index. ISBN 9780300217209. $35. MUSIC
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In this accessible survey of Johann Sebastian Bach's major choral works, Rathey (music history, Yale Univ.) takes these famous compositions out of the concert hall and examines them in terms of the theology and liturgy for which they were originally designed. Rathey explores Magnificat, Christmas Oratorio, St. John Passion, St. Matthew Passion, oratorios for Easter and Ascension, and the B-Minor Mass in "Life of Jesus" order, with the B-Minor Mass as the capstone to the whole. Though scholarly and featuring numerous musical examples and German-language texts, the book is accessible. The author's analysis includes the theological underpinnings of Bach's works, bolstered by quotes from Lutheran theologians of the time. For Rathey, Bach's "story" in these works is the "love story between Christ and humanity," a conclusion amply demonstrated by the material presented.
VERDICT An excellent general perusal of Bach's major choral works, this book is recommended for classical music lovers, Bach fans, and those who are interested in Christian music and theology.
Reviewed by Bruce R. Schueneman, Texas A&M Univ. Lib., Kingsville , Feb 15, 2016
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