On Monday we visited Leipzig, home of such musical luminaries as Mendelssohn and Bach. Leipzig was also the crucible for the changes that took place in Germany in 1989. The people of Leipzig, a university town, staged peaceful protests, saying, “We are the people,” and demanding freedom from the oppressive, communist regime. The Blue Bus tour guide, Simone, was 25 and living in East Berlin when the wall came down. She told us she cried and cried.
Thomaskirche, Bach’s church.
Leipzig is a beautiful city with about 500,000 people. Much of the old architecture needed to be restored after World War II and the communist era, so the city is a combination of gorgeous old townhouses and dilapidated homes covered in graffiti. But even that art, usually considered an eyesore, is a reminder of the strength of individuality and people’s basic need to be free.
The altar in Thomaskirche. Bach is buried beneath it.
We visited the Thomaskirche, the church where Johann Sebastian Bach served as choir director. It was an amazing and moving experience to be able to sing his work in the place where he is buried. Someone had placed flowers and a paper crane on his grave.
[youtube BwvyqjGmnSE]
16 responses so far ↓
Becky C // Mar 17th 2010 at 2:27 am
Beautiful church and beautiful music. Thanks for sharing your melody.
Shelly Erickson // Mar 17th 2010 at 6:39 am
How absolutely beautiful and moving.. what a wonderful way to experience the gift of music.
Karen Wessel // Mar 17th 2010 at 9:42 am
Wow! The sound is amazing from here: rich, full-bodied, resonant. I think this is what Mark has asked from you! Bravissimo!
Martie Krohn // Mar 17th 2010 at 12:34 pm
Thank you for posting the Mendelssohn piece, “How Lovely Are the Messengers”, via Youtube. What a treat to be able to share the sound of singing in Thomaskirche with you. It brought back memories of the trip to NYC.
Lenore Swanson // Mar 17th 2010 at 1:18 pm
Cool. Thanks for videotaping. Wow
Mrs. Carolee Jones // Mar 17th 2010 at 5:32 pm
WOW, the choir sounds incredible! gave me chills to hear you sing. THANKS for sharing the audio as well as the video to see & hear your incredible experience singing “How Lovely Are The Messengers”!
Bobby Copeland Paulino // Mar 17th 2010 at 9:10 pm
Your singing in Thomaskirche church was amazing. So beautiful, what a gift to send this youTube clip. Love you all.
Tom Paulino // Mar 18th 2010 at 5:36 am
Thanks for keeping us updated. Great pictures!!
Julie Davis // Mar 18th 2010 at 8:42 am
The “singing” picture is missing. The other pix are beautiful!!! Thanks so much!
Gail Edgerly // Mar 18th 2010 at 9:02 pm
Listening to the singing brought me to TEARS!!!!!!!!It was so beautiful! Thank you Thank you,Gail
Elaine Hoffman // Mar 19th 2010 at 2:54 am
Mark your choir is outstanding. This video brought tears to my eyes. Thanks
Margaret Quarton // Mar 19th 2010 at 4:40 am
Very very wonderful. Wish I was there singing with you! You sound SUPER great and thanks for the video!!!
Lisa Fellows // Mar 21st 2010 at 8:26 am
Not surprising. I cried! You all sound so beautiful with the music resonating through the pillars of the church. It was the backdrop as I perused the pictures. What a wonderful experience! Thank you again Mark (and Laura, no doubt!)
Mary Edminster // Mar 21st 2010 at 9:45 pm
I am glad I wasn’t the only one brought to tears when viewing the video of our choir singing in the Thomaskirche church. Our little town is so fortunate to have Mark Robinson bring alive all these talented voices. Thanks.
Claudia Larson // Mar 22nd 2010 at 6:34 am
Beautiful singing, such that it brought tears of joy to my eyes. Mark Robinson continues to be a marvelous teacher and conductor.
Lynne Roff // Mar 24th 2010 at 12:41 pm
Thank you so much for sharing the video of your performance in Thomaskirche. It was so lovely. It has been wonderful to follow your adventure.
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