David W. Music

    Johann Sebastian Bach was one of the great composers in the history of church music. The artistry, fidelity to scripture, and devotional tone of his sacred compositions have led many to look upon him as perhaps the model church musician, working in ideal circumstances.
However, Bach could be rather stubborn and the church situations in which he worked were far from perfect. The composer often found himself in predicaments that will resonate with many a modern church musician.
In his first position as organist at a church in Arnstadt Bach was admonished for confusing the congregation with unusual accompaniments. He was also censured for playing introductions that were too long. Bach’s response was to play extremely short introductions, occasioning complaints in the other direction!
Later, when he was cantor (music director) in Leipzig, he was reproved for changing the hymns that had been chosen by the pastor. He also came under criticism for introducing too many new hymns into the services.
Sound familiar?       fine