Re: GG and Mennonites

["Harding.Matthew" <Matthew.Harding@CIC.GC.CA>]

Where I went to university (in Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada) there is a
big Mennonite community. I remember reading about a Mennonite family who
had a daughter killed by a drunk driver. Throughout the sentencing and
court case, and afterwards, they kept in touch with this person and
frequently invited him over to supper to spend time with them and their
other children.

I remember (at the time) wondering what type of person would basically
invite their daughter's murderer over to supper. I couldn't get over the
complete absence of revenge in the Mennonite psyche. But your comments,
Bradley, put that in place quite nicely. I think now that I'm older (and
have children) I can put it into perspective. But what type of person
can be so pure to their principles that they can do this??? I think
you're right, Bradley - this would  hold great appeal to GG.

I guess I take a keen interest in this as it relates to GG, as I really
do think this gives us a brilliant insight into his motivating factors.
Especially with regard to his radio documentaries, which are his real
compositions, in my opinion. It's frequently stated that GG had only
"one" composition (the fabled Opus 1), but by the time you take into
account his radio work, portraits (Casals, Stokowski), SYWTWAF, piano
compositions, Prospects of Recording... I make it about Opus 30!!!

Say, what does it take to catalogue someone's work? BWV, Kirkel (sp),
etc.? Can I start one now? Do I need any ridiculous pre-requisites (like
a background in academia or music theory) to do this? I hereby catalogue
the String Quarter as M1..... Send me email if you'd like to help (but I
get the majority of the royalties, sorry).

Cheers,
Matthew

P.S. Sorry, have to rush, I need to pick up a couple of Malevitch's
Black Squares before the price goes up.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bradley P Lehman [mailto:bpl@UMICH.EDU] 
Sent: July 2, 2002 5:20 PM
To: F_MINOR@EMAIL.RUTGERS.EDU
Subject: GG and Mennonites

Two of the most substantial distinguishing features are:

- Peace/nonresistance emphasis...find alternatives to violent responses
wherever possible.  Treat everyone in as humanitarian a manner as
possible, respectfully and in service projects.  That includes a refusal
to participate in wars; historically, Mennonites have found many ways to
serve others in lieu of military service.  [I suspect this humanitarian
angle was one of the most attractive features for Glenn Gould.]