On Mozart -- Western Tradition Classics and Interpretation

Author: Karl Barth et al., selected and edited by Liu Xiaofeng, translated by Zhu Yanbing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Mozart holds a prominent position in the history of European culture, not only in the history of musical composition—Tchaikovsky and Mahler both revered him as a god— but also in the history of thought. This book provides two modern documents on the relationship between Mozart's music and Christian theology: First, several insightful essays written by the modern theological giant Karl Barth on the bicentenary of Mozart's birth; Second, two research papers by the influential modern Catholic theologian Hans Küng on the bicentenary of Mozart's death. The relationship between Christianity and European music is not only reflected in the religious works that have continued to develop in the history of European music, but also in the theologians' meditations on music—Schweitzer wrote over half a million words on Bach. Although Barth's essays are miscellaneous in nature, they reveal some rather unique aspects of his thought, such as how he connects Mozart's Masses with his vast theological doctrines: both share the essence of glory in the presence of the Lord. These short essays are not only delightful to read but also academically valuable for studying Barth's thought. Hans Küng's two papers are quite scholarly, discussing two related issues: First, what is the religious nature of Mozart's musical works as a Catholic? This is a controversial question, and Küng attempts to address it; Second, through a theological analysis of Mozart's Masses, Küng seeks to demonstrate the Christological quality of Mozart's music. The third work included in this book is written by a musician. However, Gürck is not just an ordinary musician; he should rather be described as a musician of the scholar-poet type. Gürck was born in Weimar and early in his life studied cello, classical German literature, and philosophy, obtaining a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Jena and a professorship qualification from the University of Leipzig.