My Only Comfort: Death, Deliverance, and Discipleship in the Music of Bach (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies)
My Only Comfort: Death, Deliverance, and Discipleship in the Music of Bach (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies)
Overview
The Living Church"This is a wonderful book! After giving readers a brief introduction to Bach's music, theology and historical context, Stapert proceeds to interpret, enliven and discuss specific pieces of Bach's music using questions and answers from the Heidelberg Catechism to illuminate Bach's theological and musical purpose. . . An excellent book for anyone who wants to become better acquainted with the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, or those who want inspiration for their own spiritual lives."Max L. Stackhouse"The noted humorist Garrison Keillor once said that Johann Sebastian Bach was a great musician because he was a Lutheran. The great liberal theologian James L. Adams, who disliked Luther, advanced the notion that Bach's music was, in fact, a fifth Gospel. Calvin Stapert here shows how both of those views are almost valid. He skillfully leads readers through the thicket of contentious commentary on Bach's biography, musicology, faith, and legacy, then offers a fresh, Reformational interpretation of the biblical-theological themes that lie at the core of Bach's work. Without understanding these, he argues, neither the inner structure of the music nor the enduring significance of its evangelical intent can be grasped. Through Stapert's book we gain a view of Bach as an artful, spiritual mentor for us all."Michael Marissen"Amid all the noise of Bach-Year 2000, this is an especially marvelous and welcome contribution. Integrating theological and musical insights is rare enough in writing on Bach. Rarer still is what Calvin Stapert additionally brings to the subject—wisdom."Paul Westermeyer"Here is a remarkable book. Calvin Stapert, a Calvinist, gives a clear and responsible introduction to Johann Sebastian Bach, a Lutheran, from a theological and musical standpoint. He then sets a Calvinist document, the Heidelberg Catechism, in dialogue with Bach's music. The result pushes beyond either Calvin or Luther to a faithful catholic breadth. This is a book for anyone who wants to get at the essence of J. S. Bach."Interpretation"Highly recommended for the theological or musical layperson, this work is an invaluable resource for the serious church musician."Christian Century"Bach's religious works are far more than musical gems adorning religious services. This is the premise of Calvin Stapert's My Only Comfort, which explores the theology of Bach's works through a meditative reflection on parts of the Heidelberg catechism. Stapert examines three motifs (death, deliverance and discipleship) in the music and text of several cantatas, several passages of the Mass in B Minor, and the Christmas Oratorio. . . The use of scriptural and catechetical reflection may actually help us hear these cantatas as they were meant to be heard. Stapert's discussion of several compositions, notably the Mass in B Minor, shows how text, music and theology combine in a theologically and musically profound way. . . With remarkable craft and genius, Bach transposed the essential language of faith into music. Readers of [this] splendid [book] will listen to that music with renewed appreciation."Metro Lutheran"Here in a moderately sized book is the core of Bach's theology in music. For musical theologians or non-musical theologians, it is a good introduction or review, emphasizing the powerful preaching aspect of Bach's music. But, for all experts and neophytes, it could be a valuable devotional guide or discipline."Perspectives in Religious Studies"Stapert's gifts as a teacher are evident, particularly in sections on 'Bach the Theologian' and 'Bach's Musical Language.' . . . He offers a sound introduction to Bach's music and its understanding as a theological statement."Description
Condition Guidelines
Books - New and Used
The following guidelines apply to books:
- New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
- Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
- Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.
Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.
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Estimated delivery times:
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- Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days
Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.
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You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.
Additional non-returnable items:
- Gift cards
- Downloadable software products
- Some health and personal care items
To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)
- Book with obvious signs of use
- CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
- Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.
Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.
If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:
- Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
- Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
- Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.
Shipping Cost
We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
Overview
The Living Church"This is a wonderful book! After giving readers a brief introduction to Bach's music, theology and historical context, Stapert proceeds to interpret, enliven and discuss specific pieces of Bach's music using questions and answers from the Heidelberg Catechism to illuminate Bach's theological and musical purpose. . . An excellent book for anyone who wants to become better acquainted with the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, or those who want inspiration for their own spiritual lives."Max L. Stackhouse"The noted humorist Garrison Keillor once said that Johann Sebastian Bach was a great musician because he was a Lutheran. The great liberal theologian James L. Adams, who disliked Luther, advanced the notion that Bach's music was, in fact, a fifth Gospel. Calvin Stapert here shows how both of those views are almost valid. He skillfully leads readers through the thicket of contentious commentary on Bach's biography, musicology, faith, and legacy, then offers a fresh, Reformational interpretation of the biblical-theological themes that lie at the core of Bach's work. Without understanding these, he argues, neither the inner structure of the music nor the enduring significance of its evangelical intent can be grasped. Through Stapert's book we gain a view of Bach as an artful, spiritual mentor for us all."Michael Marissen"Amid all the noise of Bach-Year 2000, this is an especially marvelous and welcome contribution. Integrating theological and musical insights is rare enough in writing on Bach. Rarer still is what Calvin Stapert additionally brings to the subject—wisdom."Paul Westermeyer"Here is a remarkable book. Calvin Stapert, a Calvinist, gives a clear and responsible introduction to Johann Sebastian Bach, a Lutheran, from a theological and musical standpoint. He then sets a Calvinist document, the Heidelberg Catechism, in dialogue with Bach's music. The result pushes beyond either Calvin or Luther to a faithful catholic breadth. This is a book for anyone who wants to get at the essence of J. S. Bach."Interpretation"Highly recommended for the theological or musical layperson, this work is an invaluable resource for the serious church musician."Christian Century"Bach's religious works are far more than musical gems adorning religious services. This is the premise of Calvin Stapert's My Only Comfort, which explores the theology of Bach's works through a meditative reflection on parts of the Heidelberg catechism. Stapert examines three motifs (death, deliverance and discipleship) in the music and text of several cantatas, several passages of the Mass in B Minor, and the Christmas Oratorio. . . The use of scriptural and catechetical reflection may actually help us hear these cantatas as they were meant to be heard. Stapert's discussion of several compositions, notably the Mass in B Minor, shows how text, music and theology combine in a theologically and musically profound way. . . With remarkable craft and genius, Bach transposed the essential language of faith into music. Readers of [this] splendid [book] will listen to that music with renewed appreciation."Metro Lutheran"Here in a moderately sized book is the core of Bach's theology in music. For musical theologians or non-musical theologians, it is a good introduction or review, emphasizing the powerful preaching aspect of Bach's music. But, for all experts and neophytes, it could be a valuable devotional guide or discipline."Perspectives in Religious Studies"Stapert's gifts as a teacher are evident, particularly in sections on 'Bach the Theologian' and 'Bach's Musical Language.' . . . He offers a sound introduction to Bach's music and its understanding as a theological statement."Description
Condition Guidelines
Books - New and Used
The following guidelines apply to books:
- New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
- Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
- Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.
Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Fees
- Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
- Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
- No additional fees and charges.
Delivery Times
The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.
Estimated delivery times:
- Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
- Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days
Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.
Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times.
Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.).
If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.
Returns & Refunds
You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.
Additional non-returnable items:
- Gift cards
- Downloadable software products
- Some health and personal care items
To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)
- Book with obvious signs of use
- CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
- Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.
Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.
If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:
- Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
- Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
- Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.
Shipping Cost
We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
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