Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Keaton, Kenneth

Abstract

History shows that Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a devout member of the Lutheran faith. Studying Bach’s life reveals that two sects of Lutheranism were the most influential to him, Orthodoxy and Pietism. A brief historical study of these two sects’ founders and their theology are presented in this document. All of Bach’s compositions are a reflection of his Christian beliefs but none is greater than his St. Matthew Passion. Although Bach is known to be a member of the Orthodox denomination, by observing the parallels between the beliefs of the two sects and the St. Matthew Passion, this document reveals Bach to take a more liberal view. This thesis intends to show that Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is a universal piece of Christian music that transcends religious denomination. Ultimately, Bach’s faith was centered on Jesus Christ and His message.

Extent

125 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004380

Format

pdf

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