For J.S. Bach’s Three-hundred-twenty-eighth Birthday
by Gary Hardaway
In Bach one hears distinctly
horn and violin, double reed and flute
in conversations both engaged
and erudite. They point
and counterpoint, exploring
aspects of the theme
each instrument understands
in its own way. Sometimes,
the keyboard investigates
the theme with itself
being somewhat more complex.
To listen is to feel embodied reason
sing and dance with consummate grace
from a time when reason itself
was heard and trusted.
Much like Bach's works, the end leaves you breathless.*
"To listen is to feel embodied reason // sing and dance with consummate grace"
An amazing description. Great power. This is a good piece, Gary.
Now I want to listen to Bach, and remember "a time when reason itself
was heard and trusted."*
My favorite Bach is Toccata and Fugue in D minor. That might be because I had a thing for submarine movies when I was a kid, though.
Nice writing, Gary.
Nice work, Gary. Love the close. *
Thanks to all for listening to Bach with me.