Sei Solo: Symbolum?: The Theology of J. S. Bach's Solo Violin Works

Shute, Benjamin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1498239412 ISBN 13: 9781498239417

Publisher: Pickwick Publications, 2016

One of the jewels in the crown of Johann Sebastian Bach's sacred music is its use of astonishingly subtle and complex allegorical and representational devices. But when similar devices appear in the context of one of Bach's untexted, secular, instrumental collections such as the Six Solos (sonatas and partitas) for violin, the question arises whether he might be intending to embed discernible theological significances there as well, thus infusing the secular with the sacred. Such designs would be reasonably plausible within Bach's musical, cultural, and religious context. Shute carefully investigates the extent to which musical features of the Six Solos that seem to invite theological parallels might indeed have been intended to do so. Although the precise extent of Bach's intentions cannot be ascertained with certainty, the degree of correlation among strong potential signifiers would seem to suggest that they, and many other features of the Six Solos, are best explained as the product of extensive theological-allegorical designs on Bach's part, like those evident in his texted vocal music.

Review:

"[S]tudies that acknowledge the complexity of Bach's mind, the diversity of his accomplishments and the range of Biblical, social and cultural influences under which he was formed as a person stand a greater chance of winning my sympathy, and this is certainly one of them. . . . I find his detailed musical analysis, his knowledge of the wider context of Lutheran theology, and his ability to relate musical structures to the broad sweep of Christian theology very compelling." --David Stancliffe in Early Music Review

"Bach's music never ceases to astonish. In this fascinating study, Shute investigates the possibility that Bach's six works for unaccompanied violin might carry meaning that can plausibly be construed as a symbolum, a creed of his Lutheran faith expressed in tones alone. Assiduously avoiding the far-fetched methodologies and unfettered subjectivity that have marred some previous studies of this kind, he arrives at interpretations that are much more credible but no less astonishing. A major achievement!" --Calvin R. Stapert, Professor of Music Emeritus, Calvin College; author of My Only Comfort: Death, Deliverance, and Discipleship in the Music of Bach

"Dr. Shute's heart for discovery and driving intellectual curiosity are on display here in this welcome volume. As a pedagogue, performer, and scholar, he shares his quest for meaning in music with us generously. Passionate and thoughtful, this engaging examination will invite you to ask questions and propel you into further study of Bach's music, of course, and interestingly enough, his life." --Benjamin Harding, Dean, School of Music, Cairn University

About the Author:

Benjamin J. Shute is active as a violinist on modern and period instruments, having served as a concertmaster of the Boston Chamber Orchestra and as a faculty member at Dickinson College and Cairn University, where he currently teaches. He is also the author of forthcoming critical reconstructions of Bach's lost D-minor violin concerto (BWV 1052R) and incompletely surviving D-major Sinfonia (BWV 1045).