Music and Worship

Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
The Age of Romanticism produced many contradictions in art, politics and religion. It was a time of emerging self- expression and individualism, and a time of breaking new ground, expanding musical horizons. Innovation marked the Romantics, and so did sentimentality. Few individuals personified these incongruities more completely than the pianist-composer Franz Liszt. On one hand Liszt was a fervent Christian all his life and even entered the priesthood when he was in his fifties. On the other hand, he was an incorrigible womanizer who careened from one glamorous affair to another, often with women who appeared to share his sincere religious outlook on life. Above all, he was a master musician-possibly the greatest virtuoso of his century, who from boyhood dazzled the adoring audiences of Europe. These internal inconsistencies wrestled within him throughout his long and colorful life.

As a child, Liszt’s favorite reading materials included the Bible, St. Thomas a Kempis’ Imitation of Christ, and the apostles, he begged his mother to read from the Bible. The narrative of Christ’s Passion moved him to tears, and the simple ceremony of bedtime prayer brought him great comfort and joy. His pleading to enter the priesthood did not deter his parents who were both devout Roman Catholics. Instead his father told him, “You belong to music, not to religion. Love God, be good and honest, and you will reach the highest summits in art, a vocation for which the natural gifts Providence has bestowed upon you have destined you.” Liszt’s passion for God intensified at age 17, he pleaded tearfully to be allowed to enter the Paris Seminary. Despite all his religious fever, Liszt led a life of epic sensual self-indulgence. Throughout most of his adult life, Liszt participated in a series of celebrated love affairs.

Much has been written about the composer’s long romances with so little emphasis on his faith. It is true that Liszt never married, even after living for years with one lover after another and fathering several illegitimate children. He showed no outward sign of remorse or guilt over his affairs but he did suffer persistent inner turmoil and periods of depression. Perhaps Liszt found inner reconciliation when on April 25, 1865 he entered the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi in Rome and became Abbe Liszt. Later in life he confessed, “If it had not been for music, I should have devoted myself entirely to the church and would have become a Franciscan; it was my most innermost wish which led me to the church that I wished to serve.

After a glamorous career as the world’s greatest pianist, Liszt plunged into a life of startling austerity. Nevertheless, Liszt’s life did not end in Rome. After a few years of seclusion, he began to travel, teach piano students, and occasionally, even performed. All the proceeds of his concerts went to charity, no personal gain. Liszt remained an enigma to his last day, flirting with his students while in his seventies.
Dennis P. Bucher

REAL LOVE GROUP
Led by Cindy Suprenant
January 27, 7:00 PM
1935 Big Crane Loop
For more information call Cindy at 386-675-6277

THE CHURCH ETERNAL
Benjamin C. Bailey
December 30, 2010


BIBLE BUZZIf you are not involved in weekly Bible study, perhaps one of your New Year’s resolutions should be to become a part of a small group at New Hope. Ruth Bradley, Sunday School Director, says you will find lively, relevant discussion along with friendship and support for your faith journey. There are currently three adult Bible study classes meeting on Sunday mornings with a young adult class to begin in February, a Tuesday evening Ladies Bible study and a weekday group led by Boyd Frank at Royal Palm.

ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR
Jan. 11 Grief Support Group, 1:00 PM
Jan. 11 Church Council Meeting, 5:00 PM
Jan. 14 Deacons Luncheon at Olive Garden, 12:00 PM
Jan. 16 New Hope 101, 5-7:00 PM
Jan. 23 S.H.A.P.E., 5-7:00 PM