New Choral Mass Composed for Blessed Karl
A new Choral Mass in honor of Blessed Karl of Austria was recently composed by Márton Wirth. Born in Hungary in 1984, Wirth has made his mark in the music world as a classically trained pianist, composer, and conductor. He currently serves as the music director for Iceland’s only cathedral, the Cathedral of Christ the King in Reykjavík. Because of his devotion to Blessed Karl, Wirth composed a Mass in Honor of Blessed Karl. Receiving acclaim for its classicism, the Mass has recieved wider attention for its abiltity to contribute to the ongoing conversation about Bl. Karl’s legacy, life, and heritage.
The League of Prayer recently spoke with Maestro Wirth to hear about him, his music, and this new important Choral Mass composed in honor of Blessed Karl. We are happy to share the Q&A interview with him below, along with a YouTube recording of the Mass of Blessed Karl.
League of Prayer Q&A with Maestro Márton Wirth
Maestro Wirth, it is a pleasure to speak with you about your devotion to Blessed Karl and this new Mass you recently composed. How did you first discover Blessed Karl?
I am Hungarian, so I first learned about him in elementary school. He along with two of our other kings, St. Ladislaus and Franz Joseph, have always been idols for me. I have appreciated Blessed Karl’s life and work for as long as I can remember. Also, as a monarchist and a true servant of our imperial and royal dynasty, I have always paid even more attention to rulers from the Habsburg family. I am also a knight of their dynastic order, and so my heritage means everything to me.
What’s your musical background and what do you do now?
I studied at the Liszt Ferenc University of Music in Budapest as a choir director and at Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien as a composer and orchestral conductor. More information about my background can be found here: https://martonwirth.com/?page_id=265
Currently, I am serving as music director of the Catholic Church in Iceland. I serve as the organist and choir director for Iceland’s Cathedral of Christ the King in Reykjavík. It is the only cathedral in Iceland.
When did you compose the Mass and what inspired you to write it for Blessed Karl?
I composed the Blessed Karl Mass in 2022. I had often thought about how to portray the personality of Emperor Karl in a musical piece. My first idea was an opera or a musical. Then I ended up writing an opera about Franz Joseph I, now an ongoing project. However, on the very day of the centenary of his birth, I came out of the church, and started hearing the Kyrie for the new Mass. I knew right then and there that it was going to be the portrait of him and that the Mass was going to be dedicated to him. Two weeks later, I had completed all the works for the new Mass. I owe the Mass to Divine Inspiration and the intercession of Blessed Karl.
Who are your favorite composers and who has influenced you?
If I have to name favorites they would be Franz Lehár, Giacomo Puccini, Zoltán Kodály, Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Roger Quilter, György Orbán, Gustav Mahler, Franz Schubert, and both Johann Sebastian Bach and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.
When was the Mass first performed?
The Mass was first sung in Reykjavík on October 21, 2022, the Feast of Blessed Karl.
How has the Mass composition been received by the faithful and how has it shared Blessed Karl’s life with others?
I would say that the Mass was well received and has been in regular use since then, particularly at our Cathedral Church in Reykjavík. At the memorial concert, when it was first performed, Fr. Jakob Rolland, the parish priest of the Cathedral Church, made a short speech about Blessed Karl. I did as well. What really surprised me was, that in my experience, his life and work is rather well-known even in a distant place like Iceland which historically has nothing to do with the Monarchy. And—most importantly about the Mass’ performance—it began an ongoing conversation within our congregation about Blessed Karl’s life, legacy and our heritage. The Mass has born so much fruit!
If people are interested in learning more about the Mass, or to obtain sheet music, how can they get in contact with you?
Above all, I want people to know that I never want to earn any royalties from this Mass' composition. Performances both liturgical and concert in nature are free of charge in perpetuity. I only want devotion to Blessed Karl to spread! The following arrangements are currently available:
Tenor solo, mixed choir and organ or piano
Tenor solo, mixed choir, flute, solo violin and piano or organ
Tenor solo, mixed choir, flute ad libitum, strings and organ
Tenor solo, mixed choir, flute, oboe, clarinet, 2 horns, strings and organ
If someone needs a different arrangement, I am happy to provide it! If anyone is interested in learning more about the Mass or obtaining sheet music or orchestral materials, they may email me at marton.wirth@gmail.com.
To learn more about Maestro’s music and work, please visit his website.