The German title of today’s offertory piece is Geistliches Lied, or “Spiritual Song.” The text is spot on, and sums up the power and simplicity of faith. In March of 1856, Brahms composed this in a back-and-forth manuscript exchange with his friend and violinist, Johann Joachim. There are a couple of other composers of that day who would do this with each other. They would share their work, and they would critique each of their compositional ideas. In this piece, you’ll hear Brahms’ attempt at a double cannon, meaning that the sopranos and tenors are singing one melody, a few bars behind each other, while at the same time, the altos and basses are singing a completely different melody, a few bars apart from each other. It’s really a remarkably difficult thing to write!

In one correspondence, Brahms wrote to Joachim saying that he wondered if some of the interludes were too dull, etc. But he said this about the amen, which is the last 16 bars of the piece, “The ‘Amen’ (I mean the word generally) will do; that part pleases me the most.” In response, Joachim writes, “There are many harsh places! For example, in the Amen in question, the tenor, which is beautiful in and of itself, clashes all too harshly with the alto and soprano at the place marked!”

Well, I think Joachim was dead wrong, and I’m glad Brahms didn’t change it, despite his critic’s harsh comments. We all love Johannes Brahms, a composer who continues to touch the world with music unmatched by any who followed. Who has ever heard of Johann Joachim? Enough said. Brahms wins. Why? Because he pleased himself and believed in his own, creative efficacy, and that’s the secret behind any worthwhile, creative endeavor!

When you get a burst of creativity, ideas resonate, and you’re pleased. That means God, who works through you, is pleased. God is the primary source of all creative work, and he uses your hands and your intuitive spirit to express just the right idea – love. If you love it, perfection! It’s OK to bounce your ideas to others, and you may want to tweak, but ultimately it has to rest in your core satisfaction. Ideas marinate. They might circle back, come in in piecemeal fashion, but then at some point, they make a landing – catch it, confirm it, and claim it. You absolutely have to trust your gut. Others may dislike and disapprove, but only you know what lights you up. When you get an idea that inspires you, let it settle, let it spark, and let it enliven your work. The anthem text says it best:

“There is One who stands above all who gives you, too, what is yours.”

This applies to your dreams, your hopes, and all things that you desire. When you hear this “Amen” you’re going to know exactly what I’m referring to. The entire Deutsche Requiem is a homerun from start to finish, if you need another example. Good ideas and creativity come from a deeper source, if you are receptive. When you get that Eureka moment, when you know the idea is hot, run with it, express it, and stand firm upon it. It will heal you. In the beginning was the word, and the word was God, remember? What a wonderful thing. You can claim it, right now. That’s creative pleasure, the joy of The Creator’s handiwork, expressing itself through you. Look at what it did for Brahms, and more importantly, what it meant for the world! Soli Deo Gloria!