About Us
What does “Soli Deo Gloria” mean?
Soli Deo Gloria is a Latin term meaning “Glory to God Alone.” Baroque Composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) wrote the initials "S. D. G." at the end of his compositions to signify that his work was produced for the sake of praising God. Bach felt very strongly that musicians should be motivated and inspired by God's glory and not their own. Our studio’s logo uses the overlaid JSB monogram Bach used during his lifetime as a tribute to his legacy.
In Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic theology, Soli Deo Gloria is used as a form of adoration and glorification directed to the Holy Trinity. It is still used as a greeting by monks in Cistercian and Trappist monastic orders in written communication.
Since the Protestant Reformation, Soli Deo Gloria has also been known as one of the Five Solae, which are central tenets of the Protestant Reformation, along with sola fide, sola gratia, sola scriptura and solus Christus.
Matthew J. Reese, DMA
Dr. Matthew J. Reese (b. 1973) is a free-lance composer, conductor, teacher and performing musician.
A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, he earned degrees from Penn State University, George Mason University and Johns Hopkins University (Peabody Conservatory). After serving as a music educator in Virginia, Matthew was commissioned an Air Force officer and served as a commander and conductor with several Air Force bands, including The United States Air Force Band in Washington, D.C. His duties included nationwide tours, diplomatic ceremonies, and performances at the White House. Matthew also personally led over 100 full honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans and their families. As a Public Affairs officer, he also served in a variety of stateside and overseas assignments, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Africa and Israel.
Following his military service, Matthew and his family elected to remain in Germany, where he founded the Jugendsinfonieorchester des Landkreises Kaiserslautern in 2020 and established Musikstudio Soli Deo Gloria in 2022.
As a composer, Matthew has composed numerous secular and sacred works for ensembles ranging from small groups to large choirs, wind ensembles, and full orchestra. Matthew currently resides in the scenic hills of the Westpfalz region of Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany with his wife Holly and their children Anne and Samuel.
