Zwickau
In the 16th century, Zwickau was not only economically significant, but also openly and at the same time tolerantly committed to the renewal of church policy - Luther himself had been there to support and preach, and the city council confidently advocated an "open" church policy. In 1520, Thomas Müntzer came to Zwickau for the first time to preach; the following year, among other things at the instigation of Mayor Mühlpfort, Nikolaus Hausmann was appointed as city pastor at St. Mary's: the Reformation gained importance in Zwickau. It is therefore no surprise that Christmas 1524 in Zwickau saw a church service celebrated in the form of the German Mass - an event highlighted by a lecture by Prof. Johannes Schilling. *A event organized by the Friends of the Ratsschulbibliothek e.V. in cooperation with the Ratsschulbibliothek Zwickau* The service on the following Day of Repentance and Prayer begins at 10:30 a.m. and likewise commemorates the anniversary. Admission free. Advance registration requested.
The choral-symphonic concert for Eternity Sunday begins with the cantata “Wake! Pray! Pray! Wake!” by Johann Sebastian Bach, which draws on texts about the end of time and the expectation of Christ’s return. The highlight of the concert evening is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Requiem” – in 1791 the composer began work on the commissioned piece, but he fell seriously ill during the process and died on December 5, 1791. Constanze Mozart subsequently commissioned various composers to complete it using the finished sections, sketches, and drafts in Mozart’s hand. Numerous legends have grown up around the death and the unfinished Requiem, which continues to enjoy unbroken popularity. Conducted by Cathedral Cantor Karl Joseph Eckel Soloists Emilia-Theodora Hansel (soprano), Joanna Jaworowska (alto), Andreas Khamisme (tenor), Philipp Jekal (bass); St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir, Clara Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra Plauen-Zwickau Ticket prices: €8.00–21.00
Antonio Vivaldi’s "Gloria in D major" was probably composed around 1715, when he was employed at the "Ospedale della Pietà" in Venice as an instrumental teacher and orchestra leader. Festive, solemn choral movements and delicately orchestrated solo movements form a varied sequence of contrasts; the text from the liturgy of the Mass is divided into 12 movements, which differ in key, scoring, and mood – yet through motivic interweaving they form a musical unity. From Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous Christmas Oratorio, cantatas 1, 4, and 6 will be performed in this concert: they describe the birth of Christ, his naming, and the adoration of the Magi. Performing are the Cathedral Choir of St. Mary, the Clara Schumann Philharmonic, and brilliant soloists under the direction of Cathedral Cantor Karl Joseph Eckel.
