The 18th-century literary and musical movement called “Sturm und Drang” (trans. “storm and stress) led composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven to write music with a high emotional content. Although some music of almost all the great composers communicates emotion, the violent contrasts that characterize many pieces of the late Classical period are unique to the music that grew out of the Sturm und Drang movement. This leads us to Haydn’s lesser-known but rich and highly emotional choral work, “Insanae et vanae curae” which the Chancel Choir will sing for you this Sunday night. Here is the English translation:
“Vain and raging cares invade our minds,
Madness often fills the heart, robbed of hope,
O mortal man, what does it profit to endeavour at worldly things,
if you should neglect the heavens?
If God is for you, all things are favorable for you.”
This is a highly impassioned text that is undoubtedly worthy of the late 18th century. Haydn’s musical treatment of this text is no less than perfect.
Beethoven’s life was Sturm und Drang personified. He lived through great personal struggle and tragedy, and his often recalcitrant ways led him to treat his “betters” with irreverence. Beethoven sometimes makes me think of Jacob wrestling with God, at least emotionally. Now put the text of the Mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei) in the hands of this tempestuous but highly sensitive composer, and you are led on a unique and compelling musical and spiritual journey.
It is my hope that this Sunday’s concert of music of the great masters, Haydn and Beethoven, will deepen and enrich your thoughts and your faith.
I have the pleasure of singing with our Chancel Choir and for over 42 years the choir has performed meaningful music written by the masters of the past. What a joy to be part of such an excellent group of singers. We have carried on with fewer voices in the early days, but always we have mastered the subject music to the glory of God.
Music is a part of our soul when we are sad it tends to brighten the mood. When we sing and understand the words written by the Rock Stars of the past, our entire body is inundated with meaning brought on by nothing else. The recent performance of music composed by Haydn and Beethoven surely ranked at the top of my years at River Road Church. To me, the soloist was the best bar none, the choir, organ and musical instruments were top notch. Some of the most beautiful music in this world was performed, and I left the “House of God” with joy in my heart and such pride for our music program.