Well Tempered Clavier for Church

[Preludio]

Hello everyone, my name is «Preludio». First of all, I'm spanish, so sorry if I make mistakes writing .

I play the organ in the church of my town before the Catholic Mass. I've been reading about J. S. Bach and his "Well Tempered Clavier". My question is the following: can I play those preludes in church? They are not written for a specific instrument, so they can also be played on the organ. It is correct to perform them in the House of God?

Thank you.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Hello everyone, my name is «Preludio». First of all, I'm spanish, so sorry if I make mistakes writing .

I play the organ in the church of my town before the Catholic Mass. I've been reading about J. S. Bach and his "Well Tempered Clavier". My question is the following: can I play those preludes in church? They are not written for a specific instrument, so they can also be played on the organ. It is correct to perform them in the House of God?

Thank you.

I can't speak for the Catholic Church, but in most other denominations, why not? But ask the authorities of your particular place first, demonstrating them on the organ.

 

[Preludio]

I can't speak for the Catholic Church, but in most other denominations, why not? But ask the authorities of your particular place first, demonstrating them on the organ.

Thank you very much for your answer, I will ask the priest (he is a friend of mine). I was asking this because I didn't want to "disrespect" (in quotes) by playing non-religious music. I think there is a chance (even a small one) that Bach himself played them during or after the celebrations.

In any case, before mass there should be no problem.

 

[Derf]

Hello everyone, my name is «Preludio». First of all, I'm spanish, so sorry if I make mistakes writing .

I play the organ in the church of my town before the Catholic Mass. I've been reading about J. S. Bach and his "Well Tempered Clavier". My question is the following: can I play those preludes in church? They are not written for a specific instrument, so they can also be played on the organ. It is correct to perform them in the House of God?

Thank you.

I agree with @Mark Quayle. If the piece doesn't somehow defame our Lord, I believe He wants us to use our abilities in worship, including yours at playing and Bach's at composing. Also, from Johann Sebastian Bach, "His secular compositions still reflected his deep commitment to his faith with Bach often writing the initials I.N.J. for the Latin In Nomine Jesu, or "in the name of Jesus," on his sheet music." Which means he was dedicating the pieces to Jesus, making them, even though called "secular compositions", pieces of worship.

 

[Preludio]

Sometimes, there are also sustained notes that fit the organ very well.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Thank you very much for your answer, I will ask the priest (he is a friend of mine). I was asking this because I didn't want to "disrespect" (in quotes) by playing non-religious music. I think there is a chance (even a small one) that Bach himself played them during or after the celebrations.

In any case, before mass there should be no problem.

I think much of what Bach wrote was religious in nature, simply because of his faith, while perhaps not historically considered so. Bach is extraordinary, maybe the best in such pieces. Anyhow, beautiful instrumentals are God's goodness to us, I think.

(The words we put to them, not so much... One writer has said that to attempt to 'improve' on what God has said about himself only diminishes his glory.)

 

[Eftsoon]

Sometimes, there are also sustained notes that fit the organ very well.

The fugues are perfect for the organ. You can really separate the voices out by using different registers. You have a lot more creative freedom in that sense.

Also this:
"I play the notes as they are written but it is God who makes the music." JS Bach

 

[Preludio]

I just looked at the last page of the manuscript and it says "SDG". Thank you very much to everyone. God bless you.

 

[Derf]

Thank you very much for your answer, I will ask the priest (he is a friend of mine). I was asking this because I didn't want to "disrespect" (in quotes) by playing non-religious music. I think there is a chance (even a small one) that Bach himself played them during or after the celebrations.

In any case, before mass there should be no problem.

Many of today's hymns, sung in evangelical churches at least, were penned to fit with tunes that came from secular sources, like folk tunes or bar songs, perhaps. To me, it's a good thing when the purpose of something changes from drunkenness or debauchery to worship--like this story about a strip club that was converted to a church by the daughter of an exotic dancer: Divine transformation: Ex-Alaska strip club becomes church.

 

[Deade]

Hello preludio, welcome to CF.

I hope you'll enjoy your stay here.

View attachment 303894

 

[sunshineforJesus]

Hi and welcome.

 

[Joined2krist]

Welcome to CF Preludio