There is a widespread feeling among music lovers today that 'Bach is a good friend of mine,' and that if he were alive in this era, he would surely be an 'ultra-modern' person who was good at Facebook and Twitterafter all, his music appeals so much to us! I find Michael Marissen's new book discussing Bach, rather, in opposition to modernity to be a wonderful model of historically-informed analytic criticism, not only against 'modernism,' but also against the current easy-going commercialism and triumphalistic secularism that prevent us from truly deepening our understanding and enjoyment of Bach. Wholeheartedly welcome! * Masaaki Suzuki, music director of Bach Collegium Japan * This is a thought-provoking, incisive, and hugely enlightening collection of essays from one of the most respected and original thinkers in Bach studies today. Marissen's razor-sharp wit and crystal-clear prose cut through some of the enduring myths of modern Bach reception to reveal different, unexpected, and sometimes uncomfortable facets of the man and his music. * Bettina Varwig, University of Cambridge * Marissen,... provide us with an excellent demonstration of the variety of issues with which we must contend and exemplary models of how to negotiate the challenges that we encounter. * Daniel F. Boomhower, Notes: the Quarterly Journal of the Music Library Association vol. 80 * Marissen's exceedingly fine work has much to commend it. To analyze and elucidate the outlook of arguably the greatest composer the world has ever seen,particularly in the face of much scholarship which is sadly antithetical to the perspective of the author, is no small task. The author's undeniable scholarship, however, is so careful and extensive, the reader will be hard-pressed not to reach Marissen's well reasoned conclusions. For those who share the faith of Bach, there will be many gems here to stock head and heart, setting one on an unparalleled journey to explore with even greater devotional heft this truly great and spiritual composer. The book can be heartily recommended without reservation! * Stephen Michaud, Ordained Servant *