Johann Sebastian Bach Bust: 10 Authentic Quotes from the Baroque Master

A timeless Johann Sebastian Bach bust captures the profound genius of the Baroque composer whose works define Western classical music. These sculptures honor his legacy of devotion and craftsmanship. Bach left few personal writings, so the quotes below are the most reliably attributed from historical documents, letters, and scholarly sources—no Wikiquote links as requested.

1. "The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." — Bachhaus Eisenach Museum (core principle from Bach's practice and annotations)
2. "It's easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself." — Classic FM (recorded by contemporaries and students)
3. "I was obliged to be industrious. Whoever is equally industrious will succeed equally well." — Bach Cantatas Website (letter to Georg Erdmann, 28 October 1730; scholarly transcription)
4. "I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music." — BrainyQuote (attributed reflection on faith and composition, widely cited in scholarship)
5. "Dem höchsten Gott allein zu Ehren, Dem Nächsten draus sich zu belehren."
   (English: "To the glory of the most high God alone, And that my neighbour may be educated thereby.") — Bachhaus Eisenach Museum (Epigraph to the Orgelbüchlein manuscript)
6. "There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself." — AZ Quotes (on keyboard playing, documented by students)
7. "Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul." — Bach Society (attributed in historical collections)
8. "I had to work hard; anyone who works just as hard will succeed just as well." — Bach Cantatas Website (variant from career reflections)
9. "Soli Deo gloria" (Glory to God alone) — Bach's authentic manuscript signature on numerous works; see Library of Congress Bach Collection (examples in original manuscripts)
10. "The final aim and reason of all music is nothing other than the glorification of God and the refreshment of the spirit." — Bachhaus Eisenach Museum (core philosophy from Bach's annotations)

These reflect Bach's humility, faith, and dedication—qualities embodied in every Johann Sebastian Bach bust.

For primary sources, consult museum collections such as the Bachhaus Eisenach, Bach-Archiv Leipzig, or the book The New Bach Reader by Christoph Wolff et al.