Martin Luther never intended to leave the Roman Catholic Church but wanted it to be reformed. Unlike John Huss 100 years earlier who was burned at stake after his recant, Luther never did. A Mighty Fortress is our God. Sola Fide , Sola Scriptura!
Thanks for posting this. I love it. It always reminds me of playing it in youth symphony.
Our Youth Symphony conductor chose this piece for our concert where we played at the World Trade Center. We were actually the first orchestra ever to play in the North Tower lobby, in June 1974 (or so we were told at the time). It always gives me chills both because the symphony is so beautiful, as well as the meaning: "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." I feel it was a good benediction on the towers.
Me too! I think Music is for every human been, thats why it's an art, free of religion and ideology, and that's why is the only thing we all can share as Brothers... no religion can go so far as Music.
Of course, I'll agree with you to the extent in saying that music edifies and refreshes the human soul, but God is the only One Who can free the soul from its sinfulness and move it towards salvation. So "religion," or what I would really call "faith," goes way beyond music.
How foolish. Not according to Handel and Bach who wrote every piece of music to the glory of God. You can't just trivialize God who these great men were writing their music to.
How foolish? How many other religions from the ancient Egyptians onward had composers writing for "god" and all for nothing. God is irrelevant here. This is humanity and the human spirit at work. Above all, Truth. The truth is that the beauty of this shows how wonder we are to write and appreciate such a thing, regardless of the composer's inspiration. Mayan gods, Shinto gods, Islamic god, Hindu gods, and so on. All inspired and the Christan god is another misplaced source of inspiration.
Bach and Handel would probably laugh at your insolence saying 'God is irrelevant'. Not to them. I hope you meet God under merciful terms and not spitting in His face. He'll forgive you this side of death...stop scoffing and ask Him. Mendelsohn was both Jewish and Christian.
Bach without a doubt, Handel I am not so sure about - but that is not relevant either. My point is that this wonderful music was written by a human being, not god or with divine powers behind it. It is a celebration of human, not divine, genius. If there is a god that runs a universe of a billion billion galaxies, I am rather sure he/she will be quite alright for me using my brain and seeking the truth through testable evidence and not a book written by many intelligent but ill-informed men.
Again, the perception of beauty from music is not about a god. Extraordinary music written by anyone of any faith (or with no faith) stands on its own for what it is. Is music written by Moslems or Buddhists or Rastifarians or Unitarians any less moving because of the composer's religious beliefs? Not really. It is us who do the writing and us who do the playing and us who do the listening. I am happy that Mendelssohn was inspired, but his inspiration only proof of Mendelssohn's own genius.
Don't be hating on Rand, though. The Fountainhead was the best book I've ever read (and I read a LOT... you have no idea how many books I go through in a week!)
@LaraElSupergirl - Not at all! It just reminded me of my less humanistic days and I still keep Atlas Shrugged on the shelf. Rand was right about being careful of what we celebrate, however. Creative energy is not the product of those who commission works or "turned on" by outside forces for some purposes. Mendelssohn is who we should be admiring entirely for such a delightfully balance and yet passionate work.
Handel was a well-known businessman and wrote a lot of music for the joy of making money. You should take a look at any biography on him. Much of his music is on themes that have nothing to do with Christian matters. "...every note"? Nope. Not the case. And Bach's Coffee Cantata written for his daughter? Nope. Not every note for him either.
The problem, Solo is that you're re-writing these men's history to suit your purposes. Yes, of course it was humans who wrote the music and anyone can enjoy it, but so much of it was written by these men explicitly in gratefulness to God, whether you fancy that or not.
I fear I may be destroying your thoughts on this piece: This movement borrows from Luther's "A Mighty Fortress is our God." It's called the Reformation Symphony. This piece is pretty religious.
The main tune composed by Luther is also included in the slow march "Les Huguenots" by Meyerbeer, performed in a special arrangement for military band, during the Queen's Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) held every year on Horseguards Parade in London. This to remember the clear Protestant Root of the British Household. Listen to the smashing arrangement of the tune in one of the Youtube movies, if you find one of the "TROOP"
Easily one of the best and most underrated symphonies ever written. Powerful!! Inspirational!! Thanks for posting this. You did a great job walking us through the historical background of this piece.
I did not mean to arouse a historical debate, but thanks for the lesson guys/girls. The "mein" or "unser" is really a minor detail considering the phrase with either word means almost the same thing, but having just checked it, it seems indeed the the orginal had "unser."
Well, it doenst affect my point. Luthers hymn is orientated at the 46th psalm saying: "Our God is our refuge and strength". It is clearly set in plural.
Put that away. In any case the common use, already in Luthers time, was the plural one. So there is still the need to call the hymn "Ein feste Burg ist UNSER Gott".
But as I said before, its only a tiny correction without any criticism on this wonderful video as such
And by the way: Luther wasnt imprisoned in the Wartburg. He found some sort of asylum there after the Edict of Worms. And what a humbug to claim that he got nothing but water. He was a guest there, not a prisoner.
Your interpretation of the hymn regarding the catholic church and the devil also seems rather awkward.
And lastly: The hymn was composed several years after the Wartburg exile.
Ultimadamente, ¿quien te puede asegurar eso historiador de segunda?, tenemos conjeturas de muchas cosas, y las que nos conmueven procuramos recordarlas y hacerlas ciertas.
Por ejemplo, "amazing grace", "blessed assurance"...o "la 9na de Vorak", tienen historias grandes de como fueron escritas.
Quite correct. Luther the Imprisoned Martyr is nonsense. As a native-speaker of German and English, it is a sure thing that "wartburg" is not the German word for prison. Luther was a highly regarded man and not about to be on a starvation diet (of Worms or anything else!). ;)
A magnificent piece of music.
Eiger6 6 months ago
This is a wonderful piece! I love it!
heureka91 1 year ago
Martin Luther never intended to leave the Roman Catholic Church but wanted it to be reformed. Unlike John Huss 100 years earlier who was burned at stake after his recant, Luther never did. A Mighty Fortress is our God. Sola Fide , Sola Scriptura!
MrEriesal 1 year ago
What a conclusion!
Sadfhorde 1 year ago
@Sadfhorde I know, isn't it wonderful? The whole orchestra becomes one humongous organ!
Treebard 1 year ago
Thanks for posting this. I love it. It always reminds me of playing it in youth symphony.
Our Youth Symphony conductor chose this piece for our concert where we played at the World Trade Center. We were actually the first orchestra ever to play in the North Tower lobby, in June 1974 (or so we were told at the time). It always gives me chills both because the symphony is so beautiful, as well as the meaning: "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." I feel it was a good benediction on the towers.
Treebard 1 year ago
My orchestra is playing this song right now. :D
I like it, it's gets the adrenaline going especially at the 16th notes lol.
darkestxshinigami 2 years ago
Mine too, what orchestra are you in. I am in MYA.
MCALfilms 2 years ago
I'm in my high school orchestra. So I guess that kinda answers your question?
darkestxshinigami 2 years ago
langweilig! wo bleibt die schöne böhmische blasmusik? ich will hier nicht einschlafen.
-.-
griepke15 2 years ago
@griepke15 Langweilig? Nun, so geht es für seine Generation. Lassen Sie mich raten ... fünf Stunden am Tag spielen Computer-Spiele?
SolofTarsus5 1 year ago
@SolofTarsus5 nee ganz gewiss nicht^^...mit 2 stunden in der woche könnte es hinkommen ;)
griepke15 1 year ago
However nothing can exist for a long time if it is intolerant, thats what i believe as a agnostic philosopher xD
wixer15 2 years ago
Personally, I'm an atheist, but I still love to listen to this piece!
malikrox 2 years ago 25
Me too! I think Music is for every human been, thats why it's an art, free of religion and ideology, and that's why is the only thing we all can share as Brothers... no religion can go so far as Music.
pajayes 2 years ago 9
Of course, I'll agree with you to the extent in saying that music edifies and refreshes the human soul, but God is the only One Who can free the soul from its sinfulness and move it towards salvation. So "religion," or what I would really call "faith," goes way beyond music.
popraprockfreak1 2 years ago
How foolish. Not according to Handel and Bach who wrote every piece of music to the glory of God. You can't just trivialize God who these great men were writing their music to.
YeOldLamplighter 2 years ago
How foolish? How many other religions from the ancient Egyptians onward had composers writing for "god" and all for nothing. God is irrelevant here. This is humanity and the human spirit at work. Above all, Truth. The truth is that the beauty of this shows how wonder we are to write and appreciate such a thing, regardless of the composer's inspiration. Mayan gods, Shinto gods, Islamic god, Hindu gods, and so on. All inspired and the Christan god is another misplaced source of inspiration.
SolofTarsus5 2 years ago
Bach and Handel would probably laugh at your insolence saying 'God is irrelevant'. Not to them. I hope you meet God under merciful terms and not spitting in His face. He'll forgive you this side of death...stop scoffing and ask Him. Mendelsohn was both Jewish and Christian.
YeOldLamplighter 2 years ago
Bach without a doubt, Handel I am not so sure about - but that is not relevant either. My point is that this wonderful music was written by a human being, not god or with divine powers behind it. It is a celebration of human, not divine, genius. If there is a god that runs a universe of a billion billion galaxies, I am rather sure he/she will be quite alright for me using my brain and seeking the truth through testable evidence and not a book written by many intelligent but ill-informed men.
SolofTarsus5 2 years ago
100% assumption on your part that "God is irrelevant." You could be quite wrong on that point.
YeOldLamplighter 2 years ago
Again, the perception of beauty from music is not about a god. Extraordinary music written by anyone of any faith (or with no faith) stands on its own for what it is. Is music written by Moslems or Buddhists or Rastifarians or Unitarians any less moving because of the composer's religious beliefs? Not really. It is us who do the writing and us who do the playing and us who do the listening. I am happy that Mendelssohn was inspired, but his inspiration only proof of Mendelssohn's own genius.
SolofTarsus5 2 years ago
Ayn Rand would be proud of you!
LaraElSupergirl 1 year ago
@LaraElSupergirl - Oh, no. Have I slipped that far? ("SolofTarsus5 Shrugged"?) Time to get less dogmatic, it seems! ;)
SolofTarsus5 1 year ago
@SolofTarsus5 So it would seem. ;)
Don't be hating on Rand, though. The Fountainhead was the best book I've ever read (and I read a LOT... you have no idea how many books I go through in a week!)
LaraElSupergirl 1 year ago
@LaraElSupergirl - Not at all! It just reminded me of my less humanistic days and I still keep Atlas Shrugged on the shelf. Rand was right about being careful of what we celebrate, however. Creative energy is not the product of those who commission works or "turned on" by outside forces for some purposes. Mendelssohn is who we should be admiring entirely for such a delightfully balance and yet passionate work.
SolofTarsus5 1 year ago
Comment removed
SolofTarsus5 2 years ago
Handel was a well-known businessman and wrote a lot of music for the joy of making money. You should take a look at any biography on him. Much of his music is on themes that have nothing to do with Christian matters. "...every note"? Nope. Not the case. And Bach's Coffee Cantata written for his daughter? Nope. Not every note for him either.
SolofTarsus5 2 years ago
The problem, Solo is that you're re-writing these men's history to suit your purposes. Yes, of course it was humans who wrote the music and anyone can enjoy it, but so much of it was written by these men explicitly in gratefulness to God, whether you fancy that or not.
YeOldLamplighter 2 years ago
You're straining out the gnat and swallowing the camel SoloTarsus5
YeOldLamplighter 2 years ago
@pajayes
I fear I may be destroying your thoughts on this piece: This movement borrows from Luther's "A Mighty Fortress is our God." It's called the Reformation Symphony. This piece is pretty religious.
Jaydoggy531 1 year ago
same here, I think that this may be the most beautiful piece of music ever written
Zapalta 2 years ago
I love the message that in Christ ,we have victory.
Solus Christus, sola scriptura, sola spes , sola fides, soli Deo Gloria
haniawhite 2 years ago
ahhh im playing the 1st violin part for this and its by far my favorite symphony i've played in a long time !
dancelovee28 2 years ago
Nice me too, I really like the swelling feel during the sixteenth note arpeggios
Pooterness90 2 years ago
The main tune composed by Luther is also included in the slow march "Les Huguenots" by Meyerbeer, performed in a special arrangement for military band, during the Queen's Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) held every year on Horseguards Parade in London. This to remember the clear Protestant Root of the British Household. Listen to the smashing arrangement of the tune in one of the Youtube movies, if you find one of the "TROOP"
PUCCINIMUSICK 2 years ago
one of my favorite symphonies :D
evilcows91 3 years ago
Easily one of the best and most underrated symphonies ever written. Powerful!! Inspirational!! Thanks for posting this. You did a great job walking us through the historical background of this piece.
rick730nj 3 years ago 3
ahh... sooo beautiful. i always feel like i have a purpose after listening.
vickiviolini 3 years ago
GRAZIE, FELIX!!!!!
opera54
povepupe 3 years ago
Thank God For St. Felix Mendelssohn, and his beautiful music in praise of God! :)
+ Soli Deo Gloria!
frphilipmullen 3 years ago
by far my favorite movement to play, and listen to THANK YOU for posting this I have been looking for it for so long on youtube
DeadlyDouble 3 years ago
I did not mean to arouse a historical debate, but thanks for the lesson guys/girls. The "mein" or "unser" is really a minor detail considering the phrase with either word means almost the same thing, but having just checked it, it seems indeed the the orginal had "unser."
popraprockfreak1 3 years ago
Wonderful. Just one tiny correction: The Luther hymn is called "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott" = "A mighty fortress is our God".
HSUHS2 3 years ago
Let me tell you something man...
Luther wrote this hymn in first person, (singular, not plural), in german language, and later the hymn became famous has been singing in "plural".
This hymn was wrote in the "wartburg" (a "jail" a mansion, Luther was jailed, for many time, without food, only water")
Fiot that reason, the music and letter, are a protestant hymn to the devil, satan.
Was the first hymn, wrote in protest form to the devil, and Rome...
mi english is not so good...
profetabrito 3 years ago
Well, it doenst affect my point. Luthers hymn is orientated at the 46th psalm saying: "Our God is our refuge and strength". It is clearly set in plural.
Put that away. In any case the common use, already in Luthers time, was the plural one. So there is still the need to call the hymn "Ein feste Burg ist UNSER Gott".
But as I said before, its only a tiny correction without any criticism on this wonderful video as such
HSUHS2 3 years ago
And by the way: Luther wasnt imprisoned in the Wartburg. He found some sort of asylum there after the Edict of Worms. And what a humbug to claim that he got nothing but water. He was a guest there, not a prisoner.
Your interpretation of the hymn regarding the catholic church and the devil also seems rather awkward.
And lastly: The hymn was composed several years after the Wartburg exile.
HSUHS2 3 years ago
Ultimadamente, ¿quien te puede asegurar eso historiador de segunda?, tenemos conjeturas de muchas cosas, y las que nos conmueven procuramos recordarlas y hacerlas ciertas.
Por ejemplo, "amazing grace", "blessed assurance"...o "la 9na de Vorak", tienen historias grandes de como fueron escritas.
A final de cuentas, reescribimos la historia.
"We re-write the history many times nowadays"
thanks for your information
profetabrito 3 years ago
Quite correct. Luther the Imprisoned Martyr is nonsense. As a native-speaker of German and English, it is a sure thing that "wartburg" is not the German word for prison. Luther was a highly regarded man and not about to be on a starvation diet (of Worms or anything else!). ;)
SolofTarsus5 2 years ago
Poor English is forgivable. Poor history is not.
SolofTarsus5 2 years ago
iplayed the bass part for this. its awe inspiring.
mamaloney1 3 years ago
Thank you! I love this movement so much!
OlivierMolinier 3 years ago