Part One: The History (What do we know?) This brief historical introduction to Bach explores the social, political and religious factors that formed the original context of his life and work, and considers how those factors affected the way he was initially received. What was his impact on the world at the time and what were the key ideas and values connected with him? Part Two: The Legacy (Why does it matter?) This second part explores the intellectual and cultural `afterlife' of Bach, and considers the ways in which his impact has lasted and how his music has been interpreted by later generations. Why is he still considered important today? And what aspects of his legacy are likely to continue to influence the world in the future? The book has a brief chronology at the front plus a glossary of key terms and a list of further reading at the back.

Concise historical introduction to Johann Sebastian Bach and his continuing influence on the world and how we see it

About the Author
Andrew Gant is a lecturer at St Peter's College, University of Oxford. A church musician, author, singer and composer, he was the organist, choirmaster, and composer at Her Majesty's Chapel Royal from 2000 to 2013. He is the author of Christmas Carols: From Village Green to Church Choir (Profile Books, 2014), O Sing Unto the Lord: A History of English Church Music (Profile Books, 2015), Music: Ideas in Profile (Profile books, 2017) and a major study of Handel's 'Messiah' (Bodleian Press, forthcoming).

Reviews
Praise for O Sing Unto the Lord: A History of English Church Music (2015): 'Andrew Gant, church musician to his fingertips, traces the history of the music we all reach for at important moments in our lives: his love of this imperishable repertoire, breadth of research and stylish, approachable writing add up to an indispensable guide to a great tradition - and a very good read.' Catherine Bott, Presenter, Classic FM 'Excellent...This authoritative and engaging history brings...light and warmth to the subject.' Sunday Times 'O Sing unto the Lord is an illuminating and entertaining history. . . Andrew Gant covers this vast territory in breezy, unbuttoned fashion, without recourse to pedantry or jargon.' Literary Review * . *
Praise for Christmas Carols (2014): 'Gant provides such theological context as is necessary ... and engages in much helpful anecdote about the composers ... highly informative.' Spectator 'Gant writes with cheerfulness and fluency, invoking all sorts of interesting historical and political notes ... enjoyable' Country Life * . *



Book Information
ISBN 9780281079575
Author Andrew Gant
Format Hardback
Page Count 144
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing