What is the song in the heart of Leipzig?
The city of Leipzig has been a commercial metropolis and music mecca for centuries. Leipzig’s cultural image has been shaped by outstanding musicians and composers, more than 500 of whom have worked here over the centuries! Among the greatest names are Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, the Schumanns, Richard Wagner, Edvard Grieg, Albert Lortzing, Gustav Mahler and Hanns Eisler. Listen to the classical sound of Leipzig!
Johann Sebastian Bach lived in Leipzig from 1723 until his death in 1750. One of his best-known works is the Weihnachtsoratorium (Christmas Oratorio), which was first performed in Leipzig in 1734. Since then, it can be heard live in many Leipzig churches every year during Advent and Christmas. The impressive opening chorus “Jauchzet, frohlocket” (Exult, rejoice) performed by the Thomanerchor (St. Thomas Boys’ Choir) will take us to the historic Leipzig.
Recording:
“Jauchzet, frohlocket” BWV 248
Thomanerchor Leipzig, Gewandhaus Orchestra
Conductor: Gotthold Schwarz
Leipzig, 2019
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy lived in Leipzig from 1835 until his death in 1847. In August 1844 he composed the music for Psalm 91 “Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen” (For He shall give His angels charge) eight-part a capella chorus. When he composed “Elijah” two years later in Leipzig, he again took up a moving choral piece and included it in a revised form in his Oratorio.
Recording:
“Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen” MWV B 53.
Leipziger Universitätschor
Conductor: David Timm
Leipzig, 2013
You can find more information and interesting facts about Leipzig HERE