Böcker av Robert Bashford

This book is a study of three great oratorios: Haydn's The Creation, Bach's St Matthew Passion, and Brahms' Requiem. They can be called "great" because they excel both as musical masterpieces and as clear expressions of biblical truth. The study has as its aim to increase enjoyment of these works and to deepen understanding of their message.The three selected oratorios, individually, open a window on major doctrines of the Bible. Collectively, they present a panorama of a considerable expanse of the message of Scripture.Joseph Haydn's The Creation takes us to the beginning of all things in the physical domain. We are invited to marvel at God's creative power displayed in the heavens and the earth, and culminating in the creation of humankind. Ominously, the oratorio ends with a strong hint of the tragic Fall of Genesis 3.Redemption is the theme of J.S. Bach's moving St Matthew Passion. We come to the heart of God's great plan of salvation. Bach's work takes us through the Passion of the Lord Jesus Christ, as it unfolds in chapters 26 and 27 of Matthew's Gospel.Johannes Brahms' Requiem is very different from other "requiems." By means of a selection of Bible texts, our gaze is directed repeatedly away from the sorrows and frustrations of this life towards the solid and lasting joys of heaven to come.The "What to Listen out for" sections in this book provide comments on the music in a user-friendly way.

This book provides a commentary on the message of Messiah. Handel’s great oratorio gives a marvellous portrayal of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ: the anticipation of his coming, his birth, his ministry, his sufferings and death, his resurrection and his ascension – plus also the proclamation of the Gospel to the world, and Christian assurance of resurrection life beyond death. The main focus of this study is the selection of Bible verses that make up the work, compiled by the librettist Charles Jennens. At the same time there is also a certain amount of comment on the music, showing how Handel’s distinctive skill contributes towards clearly expressing the message. The aim of the book is that readers may deepen their understanding of the Bible passages included in the work and enjoy Handel’s Messiah all the more – and as a result know Christ better.