The main purpose of writing this article is to share a rare musical Mass with you.
This Mass was celebrated by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Basilica on St. Peter and St. Paul's Day in 1985. In particular, the Mass music was conducted by Mr. Karajan, who was 77 years old at the time, directing the Vienna Philharmonic, its choir and the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel Choir in Mozart's famous "Coronation Mass", through the entire holy sacrifice of the Mass.
Herbert Von Karajan (1908 -1989), the most successful and influential conductor of the 20th century, lived on the conducting stage for 60 years. He was principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic for 34 years and ruled over European classical music for more than three decades. He was the top-selling classical music recording artist of all time, with sales of his films and records exceeding 200 million worldwide.
You've probably heard of his work, and seen his great conducting and performance. You may have even heard about his political background - Karajan was a member of the Nazi party, and this shadow followed him throughout his life.
But, what you may not know is his religious belief. He was a dedicated devotee of yoga and Zen Buddhism. But, according to Wikipedia, “at the end of his life, he had reconciled with the Catholic Church and requested a Catholic burial.” His grave, located in Anif cemetery, is simple and plain, accompanied only by a cross, and beautiful flowers planted by his wife in front of the tomb.
In an interview with Richard Osborne, a music commentator for the BBC many years before his death, he spoke about the teachings of God.
Osborne: In performance you often appear to be in a state of deep meditation.
Karajan: Well, I have practiced yoga for many years, but then I met a Jesuit priest who had been sent to the Far East by the Catholic Church to experience the Buddhist way and see how it might relate to Catholic worship. He came to two of my concerts and afterwards we had a long talk. He said the traditional exercises I was doing were unimportant in comparison with the meditative disciplines I was experiencing whilst making music.
Osborne: Ideally, you become one with the piece itself?
Karajan: Do you know the story of the buffalo?
One day a young man went to the guru to seek his help. The guru sent him into his hut - just a small, leaf-covered hut with a narrow door - to meditate on his parents. The young man came out again. He couldn't concentrate. The guru suggested he meditate on a rose. Again, failure. So the guru asked him: ''What is the thing that is dearest to you?'' And the young man said it was a buffalo that lived on his farm. ''So, go into my hut and meditate on that,'' said the guru. After a very long time the young man had not reappeared. Eventually the guru was so worried he called into the hut to see what was happening. The young man said he was fine. ''So why do you not come out?'' asked the guru. ''I have the problem,'' the young man replied, ''that I cannot maneuver my horns through your narrow door.''
Mr. Karajan’s greatest wish in his later years was to conduct Mozart's “Coronation Mass” for the Pope. The merciful Pope John Paul II realized his dream and gave him the opportunity in 1985. It’s also the first time the Catholic Church has allowed an orchestra to attend Mass in the Vatican.
This gift from God fulfilled Mr. Karajan’s dream 4 years before his death. Before the Mass began, the Pope held Mr. Karajan’s hand and said with a smile: “God is waiting to hear your work.”
With the Pope's blessing, the sacred music of this Mass immaculately demonstrated Karajan's art. Because of Mr. Karajan's devotion to God and the greatness of the Pope, this precious and special Mass occurred and was videotaped and recorded. And, we get to participate in this sacrament as if we were there.
If you don’t have an hour to go through the entire Mass, please spare 7 minutes (from 16:05 to 23:00) to watch The Apostles' Creed. The 7-minute (from 40:00 to 47:00) Lamb of God started by American operatic soprano Kathleen Battle is also well worth taking some time to watch.
Mr. Karajan presented The Apostles' Creed with perfection, and the expression on his face showed his faith and gratitude for his reconciliation with God in his later years.
On the day before his death, Mr. Karajan said: “Anyone who can accompany music for life has already received the greatest gift from God.”
Rest in peace, Maestro!