Steven Hendrickson grew up in the Norwegian settlement of Decorah, Iowa, surrounded by Lutherans and some of the finest music in Christendom. The Old World passions took hold, and today Hendrickson, 59, shares his love of music as the principal trumpeter for the National Symphony Orchestra — a position he’s held for more than 20 years. On a day off from rehearsal for the NSO’s ongoing 2010-11 season, Hendrickson shared with The Washington Examiner the faith that inspires his music, and the music that reflects his faith.
Do you consider yourself to be of a specific faith?
I am a Christian first, and a Lutheran second. I do love Lutheranism — I love the service, the great music and the hymn singing. I love Martin Luther’s take on Christianity, and his belief in justification not by works, but by faith alone.
Is there a genre of music, or a composer, or even a song that holds any special spiritual significance for you?
I love J.S. Bach — a fellow Lutheran, and a German. He was a man of great faith, and he wasn’t shy about that in his works — he created his music for the glory of God. His music is tremendously inspirational. The Mass in B Minor, I think, is his most inspiring work, though it’s hard to choose just one. But it’s incredible — indescribable, a complex work of genius. And it’s incredibly sophisticated craftsmanship — the beauty of the music, the text, the ways he portrays the suffering of Jesus and his resurrection is so inspiring. Exuberance and joy, but then melancholy and sadness are all so well depicted in the music.
I could say Handel’s Messiah, too. I don’t mean to be too partial. I almost feel as though I’m slighting the great composers to mention just one.
People who love music often find it to be somehow transcendent. As someone who studies music, and loves it, can you put into words what accounts for its otherworldly character?
Martin Luther said music was one of the greatest gifts God ever gave us. There are other art forms, but none can bypass our intellect and go straight to our emotions like music can. On a bad day it can bring up your spirit, or you can be swept up in the sadness of a composition, or it can inspire a state of reflection, or appreciation. You know you’re a better person for having listened — the power of music is the direct connection to your soul.
As performers, sometimes we’re not aware of what we’re doing. We’re not always perceiving the entire effect, but we’re counting, and trying to blend. We’re detached in some ways to the things an audience picks up on. It is nice sometimes to go to concerts and hear pieces as an audience does.
Today’s classical composers often create pieces that sound little like the classical greats — the Bachs and Beethovens. What does modern classical music have to tell us about modernity?
I think a lot of modern pieces are very turmoil-oriented because of our tumultuous times. It’s music that is very realistic — sometimes violent, full of great angst, questioning, wondering what’s going on in this world. It’s music of suffering, and the angst of society in the times that we live in. There hasn’t been as much beautiful, serene music composed lately. That reflects the culture we’re in.
At your core, what is one of your defining beliefs?
I believe that we are all given unique talents — that every person is talented and has unique abilities. I believe that it’s important to find what those talents are, and to use them — and for Christians, to glorify God with them, and make the world a better place.
– Leah Fabel
