"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
German Novelist, Poet
1812 - 1882
Commentary
Of the arts, music holds the greatest sway over the soul. It has the power to soothe the pain and free the spirit. For many of us, certain songs bring to mind special moments and times. What music do you listen to during times of trouble? Do you sing in the shower or while walking alone along the railroad tracks? What music inspires your creativity? Do you paint to the sounds of rock and roll or write to the concertos of Bach? What music moves you to dance with joy and to celebrate life?
Of the arts, music holds the greatest sway over the soul. It has the power to soothe the pain and free the spirit. For many of us, certain songs bring to mind special moments and times. What music do you listen to during times of trouble? Do you sing in the shower or while walking alone along the railroad tracks? What music inspires your creativity? Do you paint to the sounds of rock and roll or write to the concertos of Bach? What music moves you to dance with joy and to celebrate life?
Biography
Berthold Auerbach was born Moses Baruch Auerbach in a village in the Black Forest of Germany. He was one of eleven children in a Jewish family. His father, who intended for Moses to be a rabbi, started him in Jewish studies early in his life. In his 12th year he entered a Talmud school to complete his studies, but he gave up studying the Talmud and entered the university to study law. He then dropped law for history and philosophy. Spinoza became his philosopher of choice and he wrote a novel about him in 1837 as well as translated his writings. He was imprisoned for three months in 1837 for his democratic views. Auerbach married Augusta Schreiber in 1847. She, unfortunately, died in childbirth a year later.
Berthold Auerbach wrote poetry, plays and novels. A complete edition of his writings was published in 22 volumes in 1863. His novels described rural life in southern Germany.
Free ebook
Here is a link to a free ebook of Landolin by Berthold Auerbach, published by Project Gutenberg.
Bach Concerto:
And here is a Bach concerto for your listening pleasure.
Berthold Auerbach was born Moses Baruch Auerbach in a village in the Black Forest of Germany. He was one of eleven children in a Jewish family. His father, who intended for Moses to be a rabbi, started him in Jewish studies early in his life. In his 12th year he entered a Talmud school to complete his studies, but he gave up studying the Talmud and entered the university to study law. He then dropped law for history and philosophy. Spinoza became his philosopher of choice and he wrote a novel about him in 1837 as well as translated his writings. He was imprisoned for three months in 1837 for his democratic views. Auerbach married Augusta Schreiber in 1847. She, unfortunately, died in childbirth a year later.
Berthold Auerbach wrote poetry, plays and novels. A complete edition of his writings was published in 22 volumes in 1863. His novels described rural life in southern Germany.
Free ebook
Here is a link to a free ebook of Landolin by Berthold Auerbach, published by Project Gutenberg.
Bach Concerto:
And here is a Bach concerto for your listening pleasure.
