BACH'S MOTTOS

Bach's motto was Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone) written on his scores. Another was "J.J.", Jesu juva (Jesus, help). The latter can be seen clearly in the top left-hand corner of the scores of his B Minor Mass and St. John's Passion (below).

Yet another of Bach's mottos was Symbolum Christus Coronabit Crucigeros ("Symbol, Christ will crown those who carry his cross.")

Christus Coronabit Crucigeros means that since Christ carries the cross for Christians, and Christians carry the cross for Christ, those who carry Christ's cross will receive his crown.

In the B Minor Mass Bach calls the "Nicene Creed" the Symbolum Nicenum or Nicene Symbol.

Autographs of the Kyrie and Credo from the B Minor Mass

Score of St. John Passion