In the last few weeks, I’ve been writing about intimacy. I’ve been trying to stave off despair about the tragic state of the world by considering the value of community, and how we find meaning in one another and in the music that surrounds us. By music, I mean sunny days, friendly bus drivers, chocolate cake, and yes, music.
I will spend my whole life trying to figure out my spiritual life, but I do know that it’s bound up with music. A friend recently put me onto a stunning rendition of Psalm 42 for chorus and orchestra by Felix Mendelssohn. Here’s one description of Psalm 42 — The longing “not merely for God’s presence, but for the comfort of community in God’s presence.” I love that idea. I hadn’t heard this piece and was extremely moved, in particular, by the first movement. There’s something magical and intimate about a chorus and orchestra playing in harmony.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) was a German composer and pianist who was instrumental in reviving Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) for German audiences. Otherwise, we might not know Bach today.
Which brings me to a well known Bach Cantata called “Ich habe genug”—“I have enough,” interpreted as a yearning to escape earthly misery and be joined with God.
Here’s the stunning mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Liebersohn (1954-2006), who left us too soon, singing the cantata. In writing this entry, I learned that Liebersohn began life as a violist. I promise that’s not why I love her singing.
(A humorous and apocryphal nod to my late, great Dad, who used to cite this cantata after a delicious dinner, as in “No more dessert thank you, I’ve had enough.” That interpretation had to have been singular to him.)
I’m grateful to Lauren Cerand for putting me onto this beautiful article by Zito Madu, “Experiencing Bach.” I just heard Zito Madu read a few days ago and am looking forward to diving into his book, THE MINOTAUR AT CALLE LANZA.
May your life be filled with music.
Love, Martha
P.S. ICYMI here’s last week’s newsletter: What about the orchestra? Intimacy in a big ensemble.