It was April 2020, early days of the global pandemic. For exercise and to settle the uneasiness of all that was happening in the world, I began hiking up and down our giant hill in New Mexico. To prevent boredom and to keep myself walking, I listened to different podcasts. Deciding I needed to learn more about classical music, I chose The Great Composers by Kevin Nordstrom. First, I listened to the life story of Johann Sebastian Bach and his musical family. Very interesting, and I kept walking. Then I switched to political podcasts, but they were making me more anxious instead of relaxed. I returned back to Nordstrom’s podcast for the pure escapism, and entered into the life story of Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Up and down, up and down, born in Bonn, musical prodigy, alcoholic father, moved to Vienna, blah blah blah. Until that morning in April nothing was extraordinary. Nordstrom, who is also an accomplished musician, told of playing something I’d never heard of, called the Missa Solemnis. He said that playing this composition was a peak spiritual experience of his life, and several of his musician friends felt the same way. When he played an excerpt of the Missa Solemnis. I stopped halfway up the hill and turned up the volume. I listened to the music, and was absorbed and exposed, exalted and convicted, surrounded by blue sky, mountains and the lilting breeze of pinon. And then I wept. I wept deep strong heaves of sorrow for the pandemic and the suffering of the world, all while quarantined in my remote haven. This music reached down, pulled me outside of myself, then turned me inside, to corners where I’d dare not look. As a poet, I recognized this power, the power of transformational art. And when faced with this power, the creative spirit demands a response. That response is what you are reading now.
As a young man, Beethoven called himself a “tondichter,” which translated means “tone poet.” He was deeply moved by poetry, which is perhaps why he first called himself a poet instead of a composer. On this journey, we will meet poets who have responded in verse to his incredible tones. We will read poetry that inspired Beethoven. We will explore the heartaches and joys of his life that can be found in his compositions, and we will listen to some amazing music. Please join me. My goal is that I assist you in experiencing this same transformative power, and that it will guide you in your own creative endeavors.
Here is an excerpt from the Missa Solemnis (solemn mass). The Kyrie is part of church liturgy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGy0YDzVnIk
And now a poem.
Listening to Missa Solemnis in Times of Pandemic
Kyrie: Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
I don’t know what comes next
I don’t believe in the Lord
I don’t know if that matters
Beethoven lives
Important things stay put
Mockingbird talks each morning
Today I sob
At half-moon and pink sky
Voices in excelsis
and the tender way you touch my hair
Beautiful words Melanie. And beautiful thoughts. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much! I’ve got a lifetime of music, poetry and art to cover…but what fun!
Thank you for sharing your amazing gifts and talent.
Well the more time you spend with Beethoven, the more you realize how much you have to learn! Thanks Lorinda!
Amazing! I needed this! Thank you, dear friend.
I need this too. We all need transcendence and hope. HUGS to you Betsy
Melanie,
I love this, and your gift of writing. I’m ready for your next entry! I’m definitely going to check out that podcast.
Thanks so much Mary! I’m just learning, so thanks for the encouragement!
For those who are interested in the Great Composers Podcast, here is a link. https://www.kevinnordstrom.com/the-great-composers-podcast
I’m listening to Missa Solemnis now, thanks to you Melanie!
Keep sharing your words and thoughts. It’s contagious…🤗
Oh Germina! I do hope you love the Missa Solemnis. Let me know your thoughts. And thanks for the encouragement!
I’m excited to explore with you! Thanks!
It is an adventure. Thanks Martha!
Wonderful Wonderful. In multiple dimensions. What a fabulous project!
THANKS! I’m happy for your support Regina.
Thank you! This truly nourished my soul!
Well I’m nourished by your appreciation. It is rewarding!
Melanie, In the PASA today, I found out that this year is B’s 250yr birthday! I had no idea and so your blog and your Beethoven is so timely. Love it.
Yes Pat, and I’ll be discussing that important anniversary. Thanks for your support and encouragement!
I learned Moonlight Sonata on the piano once, one of only two pieces that I memorized. It was transformative, I even dreamed about playing it. Thanks for your blog!
That is cool Paul! And it is such a composition of depth. The only song my son learned to play was Fur Elise. We all carry around pieces of Beethoven inside us. Thanks!
You never cease to amaze me Melanie. Your curiosity about the world around you and inside of you is always inspiring!
Thanks so much Leela! Life is an adventure.
Wow!‼️ “ exposed, exalted and convicted” indeed.
Thanks Debbi! These are difficult days that try us all. I’m glad you read and took time to comment.
Wow, now I have a new obsession! I went through an Andrea Bocelli phase, currently in an Ennio Morricone phase(check out Gabriel’s Oboe) and can add this to my list! What a cathartic release in our times of sorrow. Thank you Mel!!!
Thanks so much Melissa! I’ll check out Gabriel’s Oboe.
Melanie, what a perfect idea . . . to showcase & share the beauty of Beethoven’s genius in this dark time of Covid19 and the threat of tyrany! Beethoven was the favorite composer of my late son, who was a mathematician, scientist and a musician (he was assigned second chair violinist of the Oklahoma City Junior Symphony at the age of 9 years) and who introduced me to the magic of classical music! Ode to Joy was performed at my son’s funeral, and hearing it, along other Beethoven works, lifts my spirits and reminds me that even in dark times we can experience joy and hope in music, poetry and the visual arts! Thank you for reminding us!
BTW, were you able you able to catch the film, “Immortal Beloved” on a local (NM)TV station a couple of nights ago? Excellent portrayal of B’s love life!
Oh Dorothy, I am so happy you told me this about your son. I’m glad you have experienced the power of Beethoven. Sorry I missed the film but I’ll try to find it. If you click the link to listen in this episode the excerpt from Missa Solemnis was taken from that film score. Thanks!