Bach’s Philosophy of Musicing

Bach’s Philosophy of Musicing

            J. S. Bach is often quoted as saying, “The aim and final reason of all music should be none else but the glory of God and refreshing the soul. Where this is not observed there will be no music, but only a devilish hubbub.  If he lived today he would certainly not be considered politically correct.  His first and last aim for all music and musicing was the glory of God.  Evidently Bach made no distinction between the ultimate purposes of religious or secular music. 

            Bach evidently believed philosophically in a prescriptive approach to church music. He once said, “I have always kept one end in view, namely ... to conduct a well-regulated church music to the honour of God.”  Although we do not precisely what Bach meant by “well-regulated church music”, we at least know that he believed in regulating what he musiced unto God.  I’m sure that he was constantly aware that some music styles and some music content was God honoring and that conversely, some music did not bring honor to God.  We would do well to be aware of what the religious music we perform does to the listener.