In the _Second Symphony in C minor_, the first three parts are purely
instrumental; but in the fourth part the voice of a contralto is heard
singing these sad and simple words:
"_Der Mensch liegt in groesster Noth!
Der Mensch liegt in groesster Pein!
Je lieber moecht ich im Himmel sein_!"[194]
The soul strives to reach God with the passionate cry:
"_Ich bin von Gott und will wieder zu Gott_."[195]
Then there is a symphonic episode (_Der Rufer in der Wueste_), and we
hear "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" in fierce and anguished
tones. There is an apocalyptic finale where the choir sing Klopstock's
beautiful ode on the promise of the Resurrection:
"_Aufersteh'n, ja, aufersteh'n wirst du, mein Staub, nach
kurzer Ruh_!"[196]
The law is proclaimed with:
"_Was entstanden ist, dass mus vergehen,
Was vergangen, auferstehen_!"[197]
[Footnote 194: Man lies in greatest misery; Man lies in greatest pain; I
would I were in Heaven!]
[Footnote 195: I come from God, and shall to God return.]
[Footnote 196: Thou wilt rise again, thou wilt rise again, O my dust,
after a little rest.
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