Johann Sebastian Bach Quotes

I was obliged to be industrious. Whoever is equally industrious will succeed . . . equally well.

We people don't like to be told what to do, am I right!? But something I learnt is that you just gotta walk up to this fucking asshole and say "well, EXCUSE ME! I didn't mean to offend you by listening to rock N roll! but, hey man... FUCK YOU!!!" That's right, because we are the youth gone wild!!

All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul's refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hubbub.

God's gift to his sorrowing creatures is a joy worthy of their destiny.

What I have achieved by industry and practice, anyone else with tolerable natural gift and ability can also achieve.

Where there is devotional music, God with his grace is always present.

Jesu, joy of man's desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.

Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.

Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.

Dem höchsten Gott allein zu Ehren,
Dem Nächsten draus sich zu belehren.

Like all music, the figured bass should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the recreation of the soul; where this is not kept in mind there is no true music, but only an infernal clamour and ranting.

Tobe, Welt, und springe; ich steh' hier und singe in gar sichrer Ruh'.

Jesus bleibet meine Freude,
Meines Herzens Trost und Saft,
Jesus wehret allem Leide,
Er ist meines Lebens Kraft,
Meiner Augen Lust und Sonne,
Meiner Seele Schatz und Wonne;
Darum laß ich Jesum nicht
Aus dem Herzen und Gesicht.

Und soll wie aller Musik also auch des Generalbasses Finis und Endursache anders nicht als nur zu Gottes Ehre und Recreation des Gemütes sein. Wo dieses nicht in acht genommen wird, ists keine eigentliche Musik, sondern ein Teuflisches Geplerr und Geleier.

I have always kept one end in view, namely ... to conduct a well-regulated church music to the honour of God.

To the glory of the most high God alone, and that my neighbour may be educated thereby.

Harmony is next to Godliness