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Johann Sebastian Bach was a musical genius and yet a gracious, humble man. A profoundly religious person, he created his musical work as an expression of his devotion to the Lutheran Church. Some have gone so far as to suggest that if there had been no Martin Luther, there would have been no Martin Luther, there would have been no Bach. He learned from Luther's Catechism, read Luther's German bible, and composed music for Luther's church. A gracious man and an intellectual giant, Bach consciously wrote all of his music from a Christian point of view—for the glory of God.
Although he was orphaned at an early age, Bach grew up surrounded by music, and he quickly distinguished himself as an avid learner and apt pupil. The majority of his career was as the cantor of Leipzig—a position that required him to teach school and provide music for the town's churches ever week. During this period he wrote a tremendous amount of music and resisted the ideas of the Enlightenment that sought to undermine church worship. And while his name conjures many images, musical phrases, and half-remembered stories, the life of this colossal genius provides practical lessons in leadership both for artists and for anyone who strives to serve others with excellence and integrity.
About the author
GREGORY WILBUR is an acclaimed director and composer, director of fine arts at Franklin Classical School, and professor of aesthetics at Bannockburn College in Franklin, Tennessee. The co-author of Christmas Spirit and The Christian Almanac, he lives in Middle Tennessee.
DAVID VAUGHAN is the pastor of Liberty Christian Church, director of Liberty Leadership Institute, and president of Liberty Classical School. He is also the editor of the St. Louis Metro Voice newspaper and hosts the Encounter radio program in the St. Louis area. Vaughan lives in O'Fallon Missouri.
