Opus 9: In sickness and in health (part 1)

And again, all the world speaks of COVID. It is October, my favorite month, but suffering surrounds. So many are ill, so many are afraid, so many are ineffably sad. Music and poetry become even more important in difficult times, so it seems appropriate to focus upon one of the most beautiful compositions in all of music, Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132. Beethoven had been working on this string quartet late in life, in complete deafness, after his symphonies.  Its completion was delayed due to a severe illness, which brought him near to death. But thankfully, this was not his time to go, and upon his recovery he added the central movement to this quartet and wrote at the top of the score: “Heiliger Dankgesang eines Genesenen an die Gottheit” which means “Holy Song of Thankfulness to God from One Recovered”. And as a hymn to healing, this music has endured. The L.A. Times’ Mark Swed has made the connection from this piece to the Covid pandemic in his fascinating story, “Beethoven for pandemic times: How Opus 132 is journey through illness and healing.”

A beautiful version of that 3^rd movement is here, performed by the Danish String Quartet. In true Beethoven form, they carry us from sadness and suffering into light. Close your eyes and prepare to be transported.

And if you are a person who prays, here is a beautiful, poetic prayer from the Book of Common Prayer which accompanies nicely.

Keep watch, dear Lord,

with those who work,

or watch,

or weep this night,

and give your angels charge

over those who sleep.

Tend the sick,

give rest to the weary,

bless the dying,

sooth the suffering,

pity the afflicted,

shield the joyous;

and all for your love’s sake.

Amen.

There is still so much to say and share about this beautiful composition, so more will follow in Part Two, coming soon. Until then please take care, and please follow the directions of the health scientists who are doing their best to get us through this pandemic safely. Until next time we meet, enjoy music, dive into poetry, and thanks for visiting thetonepoet.com.