A Lenten Musical Journey, Day 3

A Lenten Musical Journey, Day 3 February 20, 2015

postage stamp showing on a dark background a head-and-shoulders portrait of a dark-haired, narrow faced, middle-aged man looking out at the viewer, weating a high collar and dark coat; text comprises 'Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy', the dates 1809–1847, a facsimile of Mendelssohn's signature, the figure 65 and the word 'Deutschland'Here’s another of the 8-part motets from Mendelssohn’s Opus 79 that I highlighted yesterday. This one, #6, is titled “On Good Friday” and (again!) includes the dreaded “Hallelujah” So it’s a bit of an odd selection. Like yesterday.

Or at least it seems odd on the face of it. But musically/mood-ly, it’s perfect. Especially the final “Hallelujah,” which sounds a lot more uncertain than you might expect. Also, very Russian, to my ears. Not at all what I’m expecting from Mendelssohn. Again, like yesterday.

Um unsrer Sünden willen hat sich Christus erniedriget, und ist gehorsam geworden bis zum Tode am Kreuze; darum hat Gott ihn erhöhet, und ihm einen Namen gegeben, der über alle Namen ist. Halleluja!

For the sake of our sins, Christ has made himself humble and has submitted even unto death on the cross. Therefore God has raised him up, and given him a name which is above all names. Hallelujah!

Attribution(s):Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy” by Theodor Hildebrandt, from Deutsche Post AG and licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons; “The Bells,” from Shutterstock


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