The Spiritual Lives Of Great Composers

by Patrick Kavanaugh

Publisher:

Sparrow

, 1992

Overview

The Spiritual Lives of Great Composers will lead you on a brisk walk through the innermost thoughts of twelve masters of western music. Patrick Kavanaugh's extensive research and lively writing draws fascinating new portraits of Handel, Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Liszt, Wagner, Dvorak, Ives, and Stravinsky. His recommended listening choices will bring hours of pleasure, and greater appreciation. Today, when we are enjoying an important revival of interest in the classical music of our culture, it is important that we also gain a true understanding of the spirituality that illuminated many of our most brilliant masterworks.

Contents

Top Highlights

“As he set about composing, he would frequently initial his blank manuscript pages with the marking, ‘J.J.’ (Jesu Juva—‘Help me, Jesus’), ⁴ or ‘I.N.J.’ (In Nomine Jesu—‘In the name of Jesus’). ⁵ At the manuscript’s end, Bach routinely initialed the letters ‘S.D.G.’ (Soli Deo Gloria—‘To God alone, the glory’). ⁶ To Bach, these were not trite religious slogans, but sincere expressions of personal devotion.” (Page 13)

“In an era when Christian musicians typically worked for local churches, this composer of secular opera, chamber, and orchestral music did not fit the usual pattern. Yet he was a devout follower of Christ and widely known for his concern for others.^{” (Page 6)}

“‘Just practice diligently, and it will go very well. You have five fingers on each hand just as healthy as mine.’” (Page 16)

“‘I was made to work; if you are equally industrious you will be equally successful.’” (Page 16)

“Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with his gracious presence” (Page 15)

Product Details

• Title: The Spiritual Lives of Great Composers
• Author: Patrick Kavanaugh
• Publisher: Sparrow
• Print Publication Date: 1992
• Logos Release Date: 2001
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Composers › Biography; Composers › Religious life; Christian biography
• Resource ID: LLS:39.20.3
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T07:40:12Z

About Patrick Kavanaugh

• Title: The Spiritual Lives Of Great Composers
• Author: Patrick Kavanaugh
• Publisher: Sparrow Press
• Publication Date: 1992