We have before us the fiendishness of business competition and the world war, passion and wrongdoing, antagonism between classes and moral depravity within them, economic tyranny above and the slave spirit below.
Karl BarthRead
It may be that when the angels go about their task praising God, they play only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they play Mozart.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that while Bach represents the formal praise of God, Mozart embodies the joy of familial connection.
In this quote, Karl Barth reflects on the differences in musical expression, positing that the structured and devotional works of Bach align with the divine praise of angels. Conversely, he implies that the lighter, more playful compositions of Mozart resonate with a sense of familial joy and intimacy, suggesting a duality in the experience of music—one that is both sacred and personal.
Themes
MusicPraiseAngelFamilyJoyBachMozart
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the role of music in spirituality, this quote can illustrate varying perspectives on sacred and secular music.
More from Karl Barth
All quotes →When we speak of our virtues we are competitors, when we confess our sins we become brothers.
Karl BarthRead
Conscience is the perfect interpreter of life.
Karl BarthRead
That the zeal for God's honor is also a dangerous passion, that the Christian must bring with him the courage to swim against the tide instead of with it... accept a good deal of loneliness, will perhaps be nowhere so clear and palpable as in the church, where he would so much like things to be different. Yet he cannot and he will not refuse to take this risk and pay this price... he belongs where the reformation of the church is underway or will again be underway.
Karl BarthRead
In the Church of Jesus Christ there can and should be no non-theologians.
Karl BarthRead
Christian worship is the most momentous, most urgent, most glorious action that can take place in human life.
Karl BarthRead
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The Official Bulletin declared that the Poles should be as proud of me as the Germans are of Mozart; obvious nonsense.
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Many people forget that Jazz, no matter what form it takes, must come from the heart as well as the mind.
Mary Lou WilliamsRead