Mathis der Maler Symphony

This week, our Episcopal daily lectionary celebrates several German Renaissance artists, so I wanted to highlight an important 20th-century tone-poem that explores the work of Matthias Grünewald, particularly his famous Isenheim Altarpiece.

In the early 1930s, German composer Paul Hindemith was asked to write an opera with a fictional account of Grünewald’s life. Set during the Peasant War in Germany (1524-25), Hindemith’s Mathis der Maler (Matthias the Painter) cleverly sets Grünewald in an internal struggle regarding the use of his occupation in a time of war. He eventually joins the revolution, but quits and returns to his painting when the violence of war disturbs him.

The work focuses on the story of St. Anthony, who is featured on several parts of the altarpiece. In the story, Anthony is tempted and affirmed in his authentic occupation, as is Grünewald.

Of course, there are parallels with Hindemith’s own situation. His music was eventually suppressed due to criticisms of the Nazi leadership, and Hindemith fled to Switzerland and, later, the US.

His Mathis der Maler Symphony drawn from the opera, thus operates at several levels: as autobiography, as historical drama, and as spiritual commentary. It’s also a wonderful orchestral work with memorable themes and pungent harmony.

Justin Appel

Director of Music