Luther and Bach on the Magnificat by Peter A. Hendrickson, Bradley C. Jenson, and Randi H. Lundell (review)

Mary's hymn of praise to God, the Magnificat, has been sung for millennia in the church. It is an iconic text for worshipping God that continues to inspire composers, musicians, singers, and theologians, as well as those who pray to God out of the deep joy of their hearts. In their new book, Hendrickson (a Bach scholar), Jenson (a Luther scholar), and Lundell (a German scholar) have provided both a new translation of the text (by Lundell) and fascinating commentary on two of the most significant works related to the text composed in the last 500 years—Luther's Commentary on the Magnificat from 1521, and Bach's Magnificat in E-flat major, a cantata from 1723.

The book, a slim paperback volume, provides an introduction to Luther's commentary, giving the background of its composition as well as providing insight into its theological points, especially Luther's focus on the theology of the cross. This theology involves a strong rejection of and repentance for human spiritual pride and attempts to merit salvation and blessings through good works and virtues. Luther's commentary provides a radical reorientation to the Reformation solas—justification comes through faith alone in Christ's suffering and grace alone. The second and fourth chapters focus on the "thoroughly Lutheran" Bach, who is presented as both composer and theologian, and give the background both of Bach himself (briefly) and this composition. An interpretation of each movement of the piece is provided, alongside a brief summary of Luther's comment on each phrase of the text. The third chapter presents a new translation of Luther's commentary in readable, contemporary English. It provides only a few explanatory footnotes, rather than extensive documentation. The final chapter is a quite brief (twelve pages) summary of teachings about Mary throughout church history, as well as the positions of Luther and the Lutheran tradition on each of those teachings, for example, Mary's perpetual virginity, invocation of the saints, and so on.

Although the book relies upon and presents scholarly and up-to-date perspectives on Luther's text and Bach's composition, the brevity of the work and the minimal scholarly apparatus point to uses outside the classroom. In fact, the authors themselves suggest another application, and that is as an Advent/Christmas devotional study, either by individuals or in a congregational group setting. Along with regular study of Luther's text, listening to a recording of Bach's composition (several are suggested) is also recommended for the full effect. This book seems most appropriate for that purpose, and would encourage a full engagement with these two (or really three!) great spiritual classics: Luther's commentary, Bach's cantata, and Mary's own song, the Magnificat.