Episode 20: Language, Faith, Power with Bach scholar Michael Marissen

from Bach Talk · host The Bach Society of Saint Louis

What makes Bach’s music move us so deeply, whether we share his beliefs or not? In this episode of Bach Talk, host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society’s Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger chat with scholar Michael Marissen about how Bach’s faith shaped his powerful compositions. Michael, author of "Bach & God" and "Bach Against Modernity", challenges modern assumptions about the composer. He argues that Bach was fundamentally “pre-modern” in his outlook, with a seamless connection between his music and beliefs. Tune in for a fresh take on the emotional and spiritual depth of Bach’s work. View the Bach Talk Show Notes here. Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org. Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

What this episode covers

What makes Bach’s music move us so deeply, whether we share his beliefs or not? In this episode of Bach Talk, host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society’s Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger chat with scholar Michael Marissen about how Bach’s faith shaped his powerful compositions. Michael, author of "Bach & God" and "Bach Against Modernity", challenges modern assumptions about the composer. He argues that Bach was fundamentally “pre-modern” in his outlook, with a seamless connection between his music and beliefs. Tune in for a fresh take on the emotional and spiritual depth of Bach’s work. View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

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Episode 20: Language, Faith, Power with Bach scholar Michael Marissen

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This episode is 48 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 22, 2025.

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