Overview
"This book is a study of three great oratorios: Haydn's The Creation, Bach's St Matthew Passion, and Brahms' Requiem. They can be called ""great"" because they excel both as musical masterpieces and as clear expressions of biblical truth. The study has as its aim to increase enjoyment of these works and to deepen understanding of their message. The three selected oratorios, individually, open a window on major doctrines of the Bible. Collectively, they present a panorama of a considerable expanse of the message of Scripture. Joseph Haydn's The Creation takes us to the beginning of all things in the physical domain. We are invited to marvel at God's creative power displayed in the heavens and the earth, and culminating in the creation of humankind. Ominously, the oratorio ends with a strong hint of the tragic Fall of Genesis 3. Redemption is the theme of J.S. Bach's moving St Matthew Passion. We come to the heart of God's great plan of salvation. Bach's work takes us through the Passion of the Lord Jesus Christ, as it unfolds in chapters 26 and 27 of Matthew's Gospel. Johannes Brahms' Requiem is very different from other ""requiems."" By means of a selection of Bible texts, our gaze is directed repeatedly away from the sorrows and frustrations of this life towards the solid and lasting joys of heaven to come. The ""What to Listen out for"" sections in this book provide comments on the music in a user-friendly way."
Full Product Details
Author: Robert Bashford
Publisher: Latimer Trust
Imprint: Latimer Trust
Dimensions:
Width: 15.20cm
, Height: 1.80cm
, Length: 22.90cm
Weight: 0.472kg
ISBN: 9781906327828
ISBN 10: 1906327823
Pages: 322
Publication Date: 19 April 2023
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately.
Reviews
"""The author has produced a comprehensive handbook to the three oratorios. It is most informative. He concludes the book with what might be called an evangelistic message that draws on the texts of the oratorios and the additional reflections that he provides to press home the good news that in Jesus Christ, salvation from the penalty and power of sin is freely available by God's amazing grace."" Andrew Kirk, Trustee Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology"
Author Information
ROBERT BASHFORD grew up in Surrey. He taught German and French in a secondary school in Essex for some years. During that time, he was involved in Christian work with young people through Crusaders and a CSSM beach mission. He then became a full-time church minister, serving in Essex, Bedfordshire and Kent. He is now an actively retired minister in Northamptonshire. He has been a speaker on Oak Hall Christian holidays. He is married and has two daughters and six grandchildren. His interests are music, reading, walking and photography.
