Luther and Bach on the Magnificat

Luther and Bach on the Magnificat: For Advent and Christmas brings together the gifts of Lutheranism's original and most prominent theologian with Lutheranism's most prominent composer/musician as Martin Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach expound in word and music on the Virgin Mary's song of praise in the Gospel of Luke: the Magnificat. Written in 1521, Martin Luther's Commentary on the Magnificat is a spiritual classic with a timeless message: soli deo gloria--to God alone be the glory. This central theme of Luther's Commentary makes it as significant today as it was nearly five hundred years ago. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote his musical masterpiece, Magnificat, during his first year as Kantor of the Church of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Bach conducted the first performance of this cantata on Christmas Day in 1723, and it remains one of his most famous compositions. Bringing together Luther and Bach to interpret the timeless message of the Magnificat results in a unique and inspirational word and music Advent and Christmas study experience that can be enjoyed year after year by individuals and congregations alike.