Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Concert Venues: Thomaskirche, Leipzig
The
great Thomaskirche is one of the main highlights of Leipzig, a town
many refer to as the “City of Music.” Thomaskirche houses many renowned
musicians, including the Boys Choir, as well as the final resting place
of the grand composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Today people come from all
over the world to the Church of St. Thomas to experience church
services, unique performances from the Boys Choir and the Gewandhaus
Orchestra, as well as intricate organ concerts.
Thomaskirche once served as a critical pawn during the Christian Reformation, as Martin Luther often preached in the 12th
century church. In 1355 the original Romanesque chancel was remodeled
in a Gothic scheme, coinciding with the congregation’s split from the
Roman Catholic Church.
Johann
Sebastian Bach served as the choir director at Thomaskirche from 1723
until his death in 1750. A statue of Bach standing outside the church’s
entrance was dedicated in the composer’s memory in 1908. Although
renovations in the mid-1800s resulted in the removal of all Baroque
equipment, a commemorative Bach organ, in the style of the original used
by Bach, was installed in the sanctuary in 2000. The older romantic
organ also remains, but is considered “unsuitable” for playing Bach’s
music and is only used when appropriate.
The
roof’s unusual 63 degree angle and sanctuary’s intricately designed
vaulted ceilings result in unbelievable acoustics and highly
complimentary reverberation.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
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