Ludwig Beethoven began to lose his hearing in 1798. This was devastating to a musical composer of Beethoven’s stature, as he could no longer hear the music he was creating for appreciative audiences. His encroaching deafness assaulted his considerable pride and caused him to become introspective. While he had been raised in the church, he was not a practicing Catholic in his adult years and was heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideals. Ludwig became interested in sacred music and wrote in his diary in 1815 that he wanted to compose a substantial choral work to the glory of God, much as Johann Sebastian Bach had done. He started working on Missa Solemnis in D major, Op. 123 in 1819, one of his most celebrated musical achievements. It’s not often performed today since it requires a large chorus and full orchestra. When he finished the work in 1823, he wrote in a letter, “My chief aim [in writing the Missa Solemnis] was to awaken and permanently instill religious feelings into the singers but also the listeners.” Missa Solemnis is a five-part work consisting of a Kyrie (three petitions for mercy), Gloria (hymn of praise to the glory of God), Credo (statement of belief), Sanctus (praise to the glory of God), and Agnus Dei (acclamation of Christ’s mercy and three closing appeals for mercy). The Credo, which represents the heart of the work, is a musical rendition of the Nicene Creed, a fundamental tenet of Christian churches.
As Ludwig labored over Missa Solemnis, he kept in regular contact with a Jesuit theologian and teacher, Johann Michael Sailer (1751-1832). Johann was uniquely suited to speak into Ludwig’s life since he had a healthy respect for reason as espoused by the Enlightenment yet also retained a lively belief in God’s transcendent power through Jesus Christ. Did Johann bring Ludwig all the way over to saving faith in Christ? God only knows, but Johann’s contributions to Missa Solemnis were undoubtedly considerable, and today, music aficionados the world over, hear the gospel through this sacred composition. Today’s prayer is attributed to Johann: