Die musikalische Ambivalenz in Kleists Die heilige Cäcilie oder die Gewalt der Musik: Urteil über den Katholizismus oder Hilfsmittel zur Glaubensfindung?

Abstract

Abstract Heinrich von Kleist’s attitude toward the Catholic Church has produced two major positions in modern German literature. On one hand, there are those who understand Kleist simply as a church critic; on the other hand, there are those who consider Kleist’s attitude – and his alleged Kantian crisis and departure from all scholars – as supportive towards the Church. Die heilige Cäcilie precisely exemplifies this debate, because, depending on the way one reads the narrative, the text can be interpreted as an endorsement or as a criticism of the Church. However, the text can be read quite differently for yet, a third, alternative understanding: the element of music involved in Die heilige Cäcilie undermines a concrete definition of its position as well as a concrete statement regarding Kleist’s religious creed. Thereby, it serves as a tool to help the reader to make decisions in terms of religious beliefs and doctrines.