A Touch of the Divine: J.S. Bach's Music

By Mr. Virgil

Mar 21, 2024

Johann Sebastian Bach's creativity and innovation as a composer seems to be divinely inspired. With its layers of harmonies and steady melodies in the Baroque style, it lifts the soul to contemplate the One Who inspired him. In opposition, modern music often lowers the soul's appetites, and is crafted to make one feel certain emotions, or even base desires, as a means of distraction from developing better and more mature taste in music; and listening to modern music will most likely lower our tolerance for things that are less than good and accustom us to a tacit acceptance of evil. It is better to love the true good, rather than just the appearance of it, even if it takes more effort to do so. True art is naturally attractive and inspires a similar creativity in imitation of God, and a desire to be co-creators with God, whether we are conscious of the cause or not. Bach’s faith and genius in music continues to inspire and reorient the souls of others towards the good.

Bach's music raises man, body and soul, to contemplate God which can inspire the practice of seeking a deeper relationship with Him and is where happiness lies: why would we be contented with anything less? In large part, modern music appeals to the lowest common denominator. The people behind musicians/bands know just how to draw their listener in, be it with stories in song that might apply to millions of people, certain experiences common to all (falling in love, being betrayed), and relatable feelings (happiness, fear, jealousy, anger, etc.). Another factor can be the catchy and sing-able tunes that in most cases aren't even written by the bands themselves but by algorithms: they know what musical formula results in popularity, followed by success and renown. Most likely this mentality is used when writing movie and TV screenplays, and even in media (for example, telling people what they want to hear, good or bad, to induce certain feelings). So, they pander to whatever the anticipated experience promises to offer by giving the people what they want, like self-identifiable characters/lyrics or answering their desire to vent, or perhaps to be the hero. This attracts many listeners, making money for the puppeteer and his puppet. It also has the bonus affect of disrespecting man's higher nature and degrading the passions which is tragic when one realizes how instrumental the passions are in helping us to perceive the gifts in creation God had given us and come to know Him better through this experience. The passions can and should be guided by reason, and they can also draw us closer to God in that we can enjoy His gifts with our senses and feelings; and they can be a starting point for spiritual growth.

When one opens one's mind and heart to music that appeals to the masses, one lowers his taste so it becomes harder to appreciate actual goodness. It is common to hear others say that "This musician doesn't appear to be a good person, but I like their music" or "The message isn't perfect, but there are some redeeming qualities, too." Let's be clear, when this happens one is conditioning oneself to have clouded vision, and will gradually lose the gift of the acutely discerning eye necessary in protection from an unwholesome influence. Taste should be closely aligned with the good, true, and beautiful or it becomes corrupted. It grows harder to discern and appreciate the good.

It can be difficult to love higher things at first, but the rewards for perseverance are great. Things that are better in their nature often don't appeal to all right away. This is an indication of their goodness, not the opposite, because man will settle for lower goods rather than holding out for the higher. Of course, there is a large attraction for the Left in the arts (music, plays/acting, philosophy, dance). This is probably to make up for their interior ugliness and disorder; recall Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray." But true art is both attractive and an inspiration, because the truly beautiful is an imitation of Christ and naturally draws people to itself.

Human beings are most like God when they create for Him. Then their art lasts, though we might not know their names. Imagine a Medieval builder spending his days along with countless others erecting a place fit to worship God! His creation lasts and is a testament to his Catholic Faith and to God and is a reminder of our past and of all that is to come. Personal obscurity is not to be feared but embraced for God's sake, knowing He will reward all in Paradise, calling His chosen ones each by name. However, Bach was not to remain unknown in life. That was not God's plan for him. His talent was to show others the glory of God.

Bach's music is like looking at a beautiful landscape, full of myriad harmonies of light, sound, depth of color, the order of symmetry. Each piece and every note is written with consideration for the work as a whole. One cannot help but think that Bach was delighted when he could see the form of his work as it took shape, as one who encounters the scope of a natural wonder, like the Grand Canyon or the Teton Mountains. But instead of seeing himself as the sole creator, he encountered the One Who is Beauty. Bach would, indeed, have been deeply gratified to see the presence of Our Lord in his work. Bach’s depth of musical ability and composition is wonderful to behold. The richness heard reminds one of life: a theme comes in, never to return. Another goes out only to return later with more depth or to come to a glorious climax!

Bach's music respects the dignity of man as part of God's creation by helping him come to know God: the best gift one could ever give. It elevates man to the level of contemplation. Thank God that Bach harkened to the divine inspiration that was his talent, and may we do likewise. The passivity and peace that listening to great music can awaken in the soul is often a call to actively seek the Truth while striving to be co-creators with God in a humble way.

Some Bach Recommendations:

What God Has Rightly Done (Virgins)

Sheep May Safely Graze

Sleepers Awake

Organ Concerto in B Major, BWV 592: I. Allegro

Brandenburg Concertos

Concerto for 3 pianos, 3rd movement

French Suites