Built in the 13th century as part of a monastery, St. Thomas Church now stands alone, and serves as one of the oldest and most historic structures in Leipzig. Since its original construction, the church has endured many changes, as a result of changing artistic styles. Examples include the Gothic remodeling of the Romanesque altar sanctuary in 1355, and the reconstruction of the Romanesque nave in a late-Gothic style. Since the 15th century, the architectural style of St. Thomas has been preserved, restored, and is widely regarded as Baroque architecture.
Since it’s construction, the St. Thomas Church has much cultural significance to Leipzig citizens. This includes the St. Thomas Boys Choir, which originated in 1212. It is considered the oldest cultural establishment of the city of Leipzig, and has outlasted all “political, municipal, religious, or educational controversy”. This choir has been important for Leipzig, as it provides its citizens consistency and a sense of belonging.
The choir has been directed by many famous directors, including Johann Sebastian Bach, who was choirmaster for 27 years. His musical achievements were not widely received while Bach was alive, however, current Bach passion concerts draw thousands to St. Thomas Church. Many elements of Bach continue to be included within St. Thomas, including a stained glass depiction of the composer, two reproduced organs from Bach’s original organ, and Bach’s tomb. Originally buried in a simple grave, Bach’s coffin was moved in 1943, and continues to rest in peace at St. Thomas Church. I believe this added to the continued pilgrimage of the church. Currently, the St. Thomas Choir is now directed by Georg Christoph Biller, and hold performances on Friday and Sunday afternoons.
References:
Dunford, L., Atkinson, B. (2013). Lonely Planet: Central Europe, CA:FSC Publishing.
Hayes, H. (2012). St. Thomas Church. Retrieved from www.sacreddestinations.org.
Thomas Kirche, (2013). The Thomas Boys Choir. Retrieved from www.thomaskirche.org.
Photo Courtesy of flickr.com; back.blogspot.com; guardian.co.uk
Map courtesy of Google Maps
Since it’s construction, the St. Thomas Church has much cultural significance to Leipzig citizens. This includes the St. Thomas Boys Choir, which originated in 1212. It is considered the oldest cultural establishment of the city of Leipzig, and has outlasted all “political, municipal, religious, or educational controversy”. This choir has been important for Leipzig, as it provides its citizens consistency and a sense of belonging.
The choir has been directed by many famous directors, including Johann Sebastian Bach, who was choirmaster for 27 years. His musical achievements were not widely received while Bach was alive, however, current Bach passion concerts draw thousands to St. Thomas Church. Many elements of Bach continue to be included within St. Thomas, including a stained glass depiction of the composer, two reproduced organs from Bach’s original organ, and Bach’s tomb. Originally buried in a simple grave, Bach’s coffin was moved in 1943, and continues to rest in peace at St. Thomas Church. I believe this added to the continued pilgrimage of the church. Currently, the St. Thomas Choir is now directed by Georg Christoph Biller, and hold performances on Friday and Sunday afternoons.
References:
Dunford, L., Atkinson, B. (2013). Lonely Planet: Central Europe, CA:FSC Publishing.
Hayes, H. (2012). St. Thomas Church. Retrieved from www.sacreddestinations.org.
Thomas Kirche, (2013). The Thomas Boys Choir. Retrieved from www.thomaskirche.org.
Photo Courtesy of flickr.com; back.blogspot.com; guardian.co.uk
Map courtesy of Google Maps
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