Steve Schwartz answered my question:

>>What is the mysterious X which makes Bach's music so touching that even
>>an agnostic guy like me feels like a Christian when listening to the St
>>Matthew-Passion?
>
>Talent?

Yes, but talent for what?  For composing?  For moving people?  Every
film composer can move people - but can he (or she) touch the soul?
Is touching the soul through music only a technical question of notes
and chords?

Robert