Christian Riedel attended a conference in 1934 for Lutheran pastors in Michigan. He stayed with his cousin who showed him an old Bible he had found with other discarded books. Christian recognized Johann Sebastian Bach’s (1685-1750) original signature on the cover page. They went to the attic where the Bible was found and discovered two volumes of Martin Luther’s original study Bible. Johann’s Bible was filled with red and black ink which he used to underline verses and add extensive comments in the margins. Next to the account of Miriam and other women singing with timbrels in Exodus 15, he wrote, “First prelude for two choirs to be sung to the glory of God.” Accompanying the reference in 1 Chronicles 25 to worship with musical instruments, he added, “This chapter is the true foundation of all God-pleasing church music.” Alongside the reference to Levites making music in 2 Chronicles 5, he inscribed, “In all devout music God is at all times present with his grace.”
The church I served presented several of Bach’s Passions in concert and my role was to provide commentary on the various biblical references that accompanied his music. His vast knowledge and breadth of Scripture won my admiration. Johann famously signed his works with the initials SDG which, in Latin, translate, “To God alone be the glory.” He believed music was a powerful tool to proclaim the gospel. People with little interest or inclination toward church continue to hear the gospel message through his music. One of his cantatas includes the prayer: