Theological Symbolism in the Music of J.S. Bach

"Bach is certainly one of the greatest Lutheran composers ever. However, there are many who think he was not just musician and composer, but equal parts theologian. The main ways he embedded theology into music were through word painting and cross and number symbolism. Bach always signed his manuscripts, SDG "Soli Deo Gloria" to God alone be the glory. The embedded symbolism was intended for God."Dr. Alexa Doebele is associate professor of music and Director of Choral Activities at Concordia University Wisconsin, where she conducts three choirs in addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in music education, conducting, and choral literature. She is a frequent clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, and is active as an editor of choral music. Prior to her arrival in Wisconsin, Dr. Doebele served as the Director of Music at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Her research interests intersect with her faith life through her study of the choral music of J. S. Bach and William Byrd. She is also active as both a solo and choral singer, most recently with Vox Antiqua, an early music ensemble for which she was also the artistic director, and previously with the Milwaukee Choral Artists, the Colorado Conductors’ Chorus, and the Ars Nova Singers. She completed a bachelor’s degree (double major in vocal performance and German language and literature) at Washington University in St. Louis and her Master of Music Education and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees at the University of Colorado.To learn more about Holden Village, visit: http://www.holdenvillage.org or to listen to more audio recordings visit: http://audio.holdenvillage.org. The Holden Village Podcast is accessible through Apple iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, and most podcast apps. For questions and inquiries, contact [email protected].