Bernard Chasan:

>... according to some remarks of Robert Levin at concert he played, Bach
>was considered not really qualified for the St. Thomas job because he did
>not have a university degree!!  He was hired only after the first two
>candidates, each with a degree,turned the job down,

An often overlooked fact is that Bach's appointment was that of the Cantor
of the Thomas*schule* and not of the Thomas*kirche*.  His job involved
more teaching duties than it's commonly thought.  Latin instruction was
in important duty of the Cantor and Bach's lack of proper background
and credentials was a problem.  In fact, he actually delegated the Latin
lessons to somebody else and paid him from his own salary - not only did
he dislike teaching Latin, but he wasn't really well qualified to do so.

-Margaret Mikulska
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