The Great Passion

    I've just finished reading James Runcie's The Great Passion, a beautiful, sensitive novel about JS Bach and the writing of the St Matthew Passion. It’s a touching domestic portrait of genius, and a book about love, loss, coming to terms with life, and the infinite power of music to console, uplift, and express what words cannot.

    A few lines which caught my eye:

    'He speaks in music. Always remember that about musicians. German is not their first language. Music is.'

    'The organ carries the confidence and authority of God himself.'

    'Sometimes I look at people and wonder what key they live their lives in. If you think of your friend Monsieur Gleditsch, he is all B flat major: cheerful, loving, filled with hope and aspiration. ... Stolle, he is B major: emotion and impetuosity and passion. His wife Sophia is G sharp minor, the corresponding key. The richer lives are played in different keys, while the plainer stay the same. ... If you had a key of your own, Monsieur Silbermann, what do you think it would be?'
                                              ~~~~~
   If you’re interested in nonfiction about Bach, I’d recommend John Eliot Gardiner’s Music in the Castle of Heaven: A Portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach, and for more novels with music at their heart, try Vikram Seth’s An Equal Music and Trio by Sue Gee (post on it here).

Comments

[Dark Puss]

Perhaps I could Thomas Mann's Dr Faustus to your list of novels?

[Cornflower]

Thank you, DP!

[Deborah Vass]

I loved Trio and An Equal Music, and this is a very happy discovery. Thank you!

[Cornflower]

You're welcome, Deborah!