Soli Deo Gloria

“Soli Deo Gloria” (Glory To God Alone)... more

by Gary Bodnar

Title

Soli Deo Gloria

Artist

Gary Bodnar

Medium

Digital Art - Digital Art Watercolor Sketch

Description

“Soli Deo Gloria” (Glory To God Alone)
© Copyright 2013 Gary Bodnar. All Rights Reserved.

(The first in a series of music-themed, digital watercolor sketches).

Without question, J.S. Bach, is considered one of the most renowned and respected composers to ever set (quill) pen to paper in the art and composition of a musical masterpiece.

Though the Baroque master was most proficient in composing works for the organ, he also wrote extensively for other instruments, including the cello. With its capacity for mournful timber, many regard the instrument as the one best able to sympathize with, and mirror the tone of the human voice.

Although Bach lived centuries ago during the Baroque era, his glorious melodies have woven themselves through the generations and continue to move and inspire millions to this day, as he remains a towering figure over the landscape of composition and melody.

Could this be perhaps, that he invoked the Divine, and was not shy about seeking to honor God with his giftings. For it is no secret that Bach had a devout habit of marking each of his transcriptions (be they sacred or secular) with the Latin phrase, “Soli Deo Gloria,” which translates: “Glory to God alone” - which he often simply abbreviated with the letters S.D.G.

Through the ages, countless artists, composers, poets, and writers, have drawn from the same celestial well of inspiration as Bach. Though the artistic medium may have changed, and we can now push pixels instead of getting paint on our fingers in creating our own little masterpieces, the desire to express ourselves has not.

And so I offer this sketch, out of respect and admiration for the composer, and love for the beautiful voice of the cello.

Uploaded

February 5th, 2013