As late as 1830, Robert Schumann described himself as ‘religious without religion’. Nevertheless, in 1852, he composed within four months not only Missa sacra but also his Requiem, a touching work which unfortunately is only seldom performed.

It may well be that the external reason for their creation was the obligation, inherent in his new position in Düsseldorf, to write two church music pieces a year. But Schumann turned to the topic of religion internally as well.

In a letter to August ...