August 8, 2023

Excursion from Berlin to Leipzig City of Art and Music

Saxony's cities are treasure chests. Boasting centuries-old castles, churches and civic buildings that date back centuries are simply waiting to be explored and appreciated.

Walking tours in Leipzig are very interesting and fraught with many secrets, which you will definitely be told about by an experienced guide, which can be ordered here - tripates.com

After the tour, we recommend renting a car and going on a trip through the expanses of Leipzig - bookingauto.com

Three hundred years ago, Johann Sebastian Bach arrived in Leipzig looking for new career opportunities as cantor at St Thomas church. Soon thereafter came Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and then Schumann brothers among many others.

The city of music

Three hundred years ago, Johann Sebastian Bach came to Leipzig with the intention of furthering his musical development here and was soon inspired to compose some of his finest compositions here. Since then, many other great musicians such as Georg Philipp Telemann, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, both Schumanns, and Gustav Mahler have found inspiration here as well.

This tour explores the museum's collection of historic books and materials like parchment or papyrus that visitors can touch and grasp to gain more insight into their role in literary history. Additionally, visitors will witness how censorship has touched all aspects of book production from index librorum prohibitorum to burnings under Nazi occupation as well as camouflaged publications.

These tours are provided both in English and German and take one hour each, taking place daily at 11:00, 15:00 and 20:00 without cost or reservation requirements.

The Thomanerchor

Thomanerchor has been one of the oldest and most acclaimed choirs since it began its operations in 1212. Over centuries of European history, its traditions remain strong while adhering to well-established principles for training young boys.

On Tuesday night at St Thomas church in Times Square as part of the ongoing White Light festival, renowned boys' choir from Leipzig made an unexpected visit. Collectors of Bach cantatas might have gravitated toward Gardiner and Suzuki complete sets as yardsticks against which other entries might be measured; but they may have been surprised at this remarkable ensemble's full and raw sound.

Choirmaster Biller transported listeners into an imaginative world between motet and boarding school; one filled with success and pressure to perform as well as doubts and genuine friendship. The choir sang the haunting "Joseph", its German translation being "Lieber Joseph mein", which can be taken as representing life lived for love and forgiveness.

The Bach Archive

Bach Digital is an ambitious endeavor that brings high-resolution digital facsimiles of manuscripts, scores and other documents into the public domain. Renowned libraries such as the British Library, Library of Congress and Harvard University have contributed their collections of Bach manuscripts to create this database.

The Bach Archive provides an interesting glimpse into Leipzig's most renowned son, Johann Sebastian Bach. Its exhibition showcases an impressive collection of original Bach manuscripts and other treasures; situated just across from St Thomaskirche it makes a worthwhile stopover.

Leipzig City Tour provides an interactive experience, using an app and game to take visitors through the city. This experience gives visitors a new way to appreciate landmarks such as the opera house, Gewandhaus concert hall, Nikolaikirche church, Madler Passage/Auerbachs Keller and Madler Passage/Auerbachs Keller from different angles while learning interesting facts about musical history - for instance Felix Mendelssohn lived here as did Robert and Clara Schumann!

The Leipzig Zoo

From touching animal hides to sniffing plants from the rainforest - various interactive learning stations allow children and adults alike to gain knowledge of nature.

The Leipzig Zoo provides more than an enjoyable and educational experience; it also serves as a conservation and research centre, working to protect animals around the globe. Due to this work, it has earned both official seal "Familienurlaub in Sachsen" as well as awards for family-friendly offers.

The Leipzig City Tour routes pass numerous iconic spots like the City Tower, Nikolaikirche, Market Square, Madler Passage/Auerbachs Keller and Musikviertel with Bundesverwaltungsgericht. You can use an app designed specifically to collect animals symbolised by buildings; upon collecting all symbols you'll qualify for discounts at Leipzig Zoo! In addition, this tour features informational stops on each highlight as well as discounts at local businesses along the tour path; you can download this free of charge; photos taken during this journey can also be uploaded onto photo stock exchanges (commercially) for user/license fees!