L is for Leipzig
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For a long time, the city of Leipzig remained mysteriously hidden in the former German Democratic Republic; only in the last decade has the city becomes generally accessible. In Leipzig, Bach was working in a city with no royal or noble patronage. The motivation for its developed musical life can be found in the citizens themselves: for centuries, Leipzig has been an important commercial and educational centre, as shown in its trade fairs and ancient university. It had prosperous, ambitious inhabitants, who founded institutions for the performance of both sacred and secular music with amateurs and professionals. They also demanded church music of the highest quality.
Fortunately, the St Thomas' Church where Bach worked (and is buried) survived the bombing of the Second World War. You can still experience the great composer's music each Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning in its original setting. Attending these services is a reminder that Bach was working in the Lutheran heartland, not far from Wittenberg the cradle of the Lutheran Reformation.
Bach was responsible for the boys at the Thomasschule, and their voices provided music for the four major Leipzig churches. The school building, which contained the Bach family apartment, no longer stands. However, you can still experience the great composer's music each Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning in its original setting, in the church where he is buried.
But after church, do visit a coffee house to sample another Leipzig tradition!
Graham Dixon
Listen Live
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Read what others have said..
Paul Fosbery. Hereford. England.
L for: Leibster Jesu Wir Sind Hier.BWV 731. One of Bachs's lovely quiet pieces, which I regularly play on my drawbar organ... ..and a piece which I would love to be played at my funeral...in many, many years to come, hopefully...! Have endless enjoyment with J.S...! Paul...Korg CX-3. Two manual organ...
Mike Joseph, Wales
My mother, a Leipzig girl and lifelong Bach lover, is surely turning in her grave at Graham Dixon's praise for the "prosperous, ambitious inhabitants" who created the city's musical culture, while airbrushing away the Jewish identity of many of these. Why should that concern today's musicians and Bach lovers? Because in 1936 the Nazis commenced their assault on Leipzig's Jews by destroying the statue of Mendelssohn - the Gewandhaus Orchestra conductor and re-discoverer of Bach's music. The Nazis wanted Leipzig to forget the Jews. We don't need to help them.
Gordon Martin/Exeter
I am overjoyed that Radio 3 is broadcasting Bach's music in it's entirety. I can't think of a more superb xmas present to the nation. I've never met anyone yet who hasn't responded positively to Bach's music. It is, I think, One of the great achievements of mankind and if anything were to make me believe in God, it would be the music of JSB. It's hard to think of particular favourites among his works as each one is unique and repays study over and over again. Even the smallest pieces he composed for his children and for teaching. The cantatas must represent the largest body of great music which is still unknown to most people. The riches they contain are breathtaking and Radio 3 will bring these relatively unknown works to a wider audience. Bach is the one composer of whom I never tire. His works are inexhaustible and really do have the power to heal. They are spiritual balm. But Bach can also swing and it is no surprise that jazz and rock musicians have found inspiration in his works. Thankyou Radio 3 for making my Christmas this year.