The Reformation was a formative event of Leipzig. In 2017, its 500th anniversary will be celebrated with the “Kirchentag on the Way” according to the motto “Music.Debate.Life”.
Half a millennium ago, Leipzig played a decisive role to the unfolding of the Reformation. In 1519, the city was the scene of a heated and eloquent public debate between Luther and his opponent Johannes Eck, who was loyal to Rome. This clash of theologies over indulgences and the papacy eventually led to Luther’s break with Rome.
Later, it was Bach who set Luther’s words and ideas to music like no other. More than 30 hymns by Luther have been preserved to this day. Many of them were used by Johann Sebastian Bach as a basis for multi-part music for choir and organ adaptations, which have never lost their captivating appeal.
And so, almost 500 years later, visitors will be able to hear Protestant music-making from University Music, the St. Thomas Boys Choir and trombone bands. Besides the musical legacy, thematic guided tours, such as “In the Footsteps of Luther through Leipzig” or “Luther and Bach”, numerous exhibitions and authentic Luther places including Luther’s favourite restaurant, “Auerbachs Keller”, bring history to life.
Luther in Leipzig
