Īnd what about the letters, SDG? Ultimately, Bach believed that music brought glory to God. What a powerful testament for everything we do – Jesu, Juva! Lord, help me make this my prayer. God was intimately involved in his work (and more importantly ~ in him). The humility of a great artist towards his Creator God, knowing that he was watched over, heard, and loved. His work was underscored by his deep need and faith. This man, with amazing talent and ability, was praying for help from the very beginnings of his creative impulses. The initials, JJ stand for, “Jesu, Juva” or “Jesus, Help”. Let’s take a minute to look at these two sets of initials. Johann Sebastian routinely marked the tops of his scores with the initials “JJ” and ended his compositions with the initials, “SDG”. You see, this man of faith believed that music was a “refreshment of spirit”, and a powerful tool for the proclamation of the gospel. It all goes back over 333 years ago to Johann Sebastian Bach, arguably the greatest organist and composer in the history of Western music. Have they blended into the fabric of our worship space? Where are they? This Latin phrase is emblazoned in gold near the top of the organ case. Bede Episcopal Church in Forest Grove, Oregon with these words in front of us. Where have you seen this Latin phrase, Soli Deo Gloria? Actually, we worship weekly at St.
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