Thüringer Bachwochen

Germany is well-known with its classic music as well as its composers. One of the most famous composers in the late Baroque period was Johann Sebastian Bach. Johann Sebastian was born into a musical family. Many of his ancestors and relatives were musicians and from his early childhood his father and other relatives taught him classical music instruments. As time went by, under his brother’s guidance he expanded his musical exposure to Italian and French pieces and also continued his musical formation in Lüneburg. These experiences of learning strongly influenced his style and shaped his own unique characteristic.

Over a long period, Bach remained relatively unknown. However, since his compositions were re-discovered in the 19^th century, he is considered one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music. Preserving and introducing his masterpiece heritage to younger generations is very important. To honour his remarkable achievements, Thüringer Bachwochen were held for the first time in 1992. In 2022, the festival celebrates its 30^th anniversary and at the same time commemorates the 500^th jubilee of Martin Luther’s first translation of the bible from ancient Greek to German. This not only marked the first time the bible became accessible for common folk, but also became a major foundation for the development of the German language as we know it today.

Bringing the topics together will result in a comprehensive performance to be enjoyed. Johann Sebastian Bach’s music arrangement had a special connection with Lutheran hymn. He often did his own interpretations of Lutheran hymns and adopted them not only in his larger vocal works, but also in his four-parts chorales, and sacred songs.