Interesting historical glimpse... Johann Sebastian Bach's acceptance letter for the Leipsig Thomas-Schule Cantor position, with my comment below...
May 5 1723
Whereas the Honorable and Most Wise Council of this Town of Leipzig have engaged me as Cantor of the Thomas-Schule and have desired an undertaking from me in respect to the following points, to wit:
(1) That I shall set the boys a shining example of an honest, retiring manner of life, serve the School industriously, and instruct the boys conscientiously;
(2) Bring the music in both the principal Churches of this town into good estate, to the best of my ability;
(3) Show to the Honorable and Most Wise Council all proper respect and obedience, and protect and further everywhere as best I may its honor and reputation; likewise if a gentleman of the Council desires the boys for a musical occasion unhesitatingly provide him with same, but otherwise never permit them to go out of town to funerals or weddings without the previous knowledge and consent of the Burgomaster and Honorable Directors of the School currently in office;
(4) Give due obedience to the Honorable Inspectors and Directors of the School in each and every instruction which the same shall issue in the name of the Honorable and Most Wise Council;
(5) Not take any boys into the School who have not already laid a foundation in music, or are not at least suited to being instructed therein, nor do the same without the previous knowledge and consent of the Honorable Inspectors and Directors;
(6) So that the Churches may not have to be put to unnecessary expense, faithfully instruct the boys not only in vocal but also in instrumental music;
(7) In order to preserve the good order in the Churches, so arrange the music that it shall not last too long, and shall be of such nature as not to make an operatic impression, but rather incite the listeners to devotion;
(8) Provide the New Church with good scholars;
(9) Treat the boys in a friendly manner and with caution, but, in case they do not wish to obey, chastise them with moderation, or report them to the proper place;
(10) Faithfully attend to the instruction in the School and whatever else it befits me to do;
(11) And if I cannot undertake this myself, arrange that it be done by some other capable person without expense to the Honorable and Most Wise Council or the School;
(12) Not go out of town without the permission of the Honorable Burgomaster currently in office;
(13) Always so far as possible walk with the boys at funerals, as is customary;
(14) And shall not accept or wish to accept any office in the University without the consent of the Honorable and Learned Council;
Now therefore I do hereby undertake and bind myself faithfully to observe all of the said requirements, and on pain of losing my post not to act contrary to them, in witness whereof I have set my hand and seal to this agreement.
Johann Sebastian Bach, Leipzig, May 5, 1723
Bach's desire and promise (well-fulfilled!) to compose music "not to make an operatic impression, but rather incite the listeners to devotion" is the perfect ideal for Christians today as well...! Our goal ought to be to exalt Christ, and to minimize attention to ourselves... to "incite the listeners" to meditate on Christ, pray to Him, tell Him of their gratitude, and worship Him...
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