Germany`s Cultural treasure Chest

Saxony-Anhalt
Germany’s Cultural
Treasure Chest
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VINEYARDS SURROUND
FREYBURG (UNSTRUT)
Saxony-Anhalt
Germany
Capital:
Magdeburg
Area:
7,895 square miles
Population: 2.5 million
www.sachsen-anhalt.de
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,,
You are invited
to Saxony-Anhalt:
Germany’s cultural
treasure chest.
,,
Two decades after the peaceful revolution and the subsequent reunification of
Germany, it is time to discover – or re-discover – the cultural heart of Germany.
Despite the rebirth of our state, our heritage has never changed.
In the past twenty years we have worked hard to restore our magnificent castles
and impressive cathedrals, powerful fortresses and atmospheric old towns. So now,
I would like you to visit these magical places, with stories that resonate around the
world. At the same time, we have built competitive new businesses, many of which
trade abroad, often with our friends in the United States of America. In fact, we
attract more inward investment than any other former East German state.
We believe that much of our success, both present and future, is built on our past.
Although Germany’s cultural treasure chest is about the same size as New Jersey, it
has long stood at a cultural crossroads. Our history stretches back over a thousand
years and includes many famous people, who have influenced the world:
•
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Martin Luther, the reformer and catalyst for the Protestant Reformation
Otto von Bismarck, who unified the nation state that is Germany
J. S. Bach and George Frederick Handel, two of the world’s great composers
Lucas Cranach, the finest painter of his era
Walter Gropius, the architect and founder of the Bauhaus
As I have mentioned, we have glorious buildings, from churches and castles to halftimbered houses and 20th-century classics designed by the Bauhaus (the Bauhaus
Dessau Foundation continues here in Saxony-Anhalt). But, it is the great individuals,
both men and women, who have inspired us for centuries. What’s more, many of
them sailed to the U.S.A. and left their mark on American history.
• Henry Muhlenberg was the Patriarch of the Lutheran Church in
North America; his descendants played a major role in U.S. politics and
government.
• Friedrich von Steuben was General Washington’s Chief of Staff
and is remembered across the U.S.A. with annual German-American
Steuben Parades.
I invite you to read through the following pages, which also take you to our gardens,
vineyards and unspoiled countryside; to our classical concerts and traditional
Christmas markets; and, of course, our taverns – places to meet and chat to locals.
After all, as I said, we are all about people.
W i l l kom m e n i n Sac h se n -A n h a lt! W e l com e t o Sa xon y-A n h a lt!
Stephan Dorgerloh
Secretary for Education and Culture
Stephan
Dorgerloh
Secretary for
Education and
Culture
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SAXONY-ANHALT’S
CULTURAL TREASURE
CHEST
Lifting the lid on Saxony-Anhalt’s 1,000-yearold cultural treasure chest reveals a surprisingly
wide array of riches. There are great musicians
and great architects, historic buildings and glorious gardens, fine wines and inspired artists. And
there are men who sailed the Atlantic to make a
major impact on the history of the United States
of America.
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THE AMERICAN
CONNECTION
SAXONY-ANHALTERS IN THE U.S.A.
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MARTIN LUTHER
And the Protestant Reformation
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CULTURAL
POWERHOUSE
From art to music
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THE BAUHAUS
Changing the way we live
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A SAXONY-ANHALT
SPECIALTY
Half-timbered houses
5
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WINE AND FOOD
Local specialties
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ANNUAL FESTIVALS
AND EVENTS
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CONTEMPORARY
CREATIVITY
MAP OF
SAXONY-ANHALT
New names, new ideas
Inside back cover
UNESCO
WORLD HERITAGE
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THE GREEN STATE
World class gardens
Saxony-Anhalt has more UNESCO World Heritage
sites than any other state in Germany. This honor
places some of the state‘s greatest treasures on
the same level of cultural importance as the Pyramids in Egypt, the Great Wall of China and the
Statue of Liberty in the U.S.A.
The four sites are: the Old Town of Quedlinburg,
the sites associated with Luther in Lutherstadt
Wittenberg and Lutherstadt Eisleben, the DessauWörlitz Garden Kingdom and the Bauhaus in
Dessau.
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MARTIN LUTHER
(1483-1546)
In 1508, Martin Luther took up a teaching position at the
university in Wittenberg. Nine years later, on October 31, 1517,
the 34-year-old monk nailed his “95 Theses” to the door of
the Castle Church in this important trading town. His act
of defiance set in motion a chain of events that changed the
history of the world.
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the church. But his action prompted theological
discussion and many agreed with his views.
MARTIN LUTHER
and the
Protestant
Church
And, there was more. Luther translated the New
Testament into German, believing that ordinary people
should be able to read the Holy Scripture for themselves.
Published in 1522, the first edition sold out; demand
continued and in two years, it was reprinted over 60
times. The subsequent edition (1534), with both Old and
New Testaments, continued to be a “bestseller.”
What started out as an attempt to reform the Roman
Catholic Church in Europe led to what is known as the
Protestant Reformation. This was not just one single
event; it was a string of episodes that resulted in a
massive change.
When Martin Luther strode on to the stage of history, he
was the right man in the right place and at the right time.
After much study of the Bible, he decided that salvation
was a personal matter between man and God. He also
objected to practices such as the selling of “indulgences,”
seen by many as a way of “buying your way into heaven.”
He argued that the Catholic Church had to be reformed,
so that it would be more fair, less greedy and accessible
to all.
Debate was one thing, but a public challenge to papal
authority was a serious matter. After Luther nailed his 95
Theses to the door, this highly-intellectual German monk
was condemned as a heretic and declared an outlaw by
LUTHERSTADT
WITTENBERG
The Castle Church,
where Luther nailed
his 95 Theses.
LUTHERSTADT Wittenberg
Luther House
The Luther decade
Now one of the four UNESCO
World Heritage sites in SaxonyAnhalt, this former Augustinian
monastery was Luther‘s home.
Now a museum of the Reformation, the highlight is the Living
Room, with its 16th-century
furnishings. A professor at Wittenberg University, many of his
conversations with his colleagues
and students are collected in a
book, Table Talk (1566).
In 2017, Protestant communities around the world will celebrate Martin Luther’s famous act of protest in Wittenberg. What
he did – and why – resonated over the years and across the
world. He may not have actually said, “Here I stand. I cannot
do otherwise.” But, his challenge to authority was based on
the idea that an individual had – and must follow – his own
religious conscience. Once unleashed, that revolutionary idea
could not be stopped. And, when Protestants sailed from the
Old World to the New a century or so later, one of the reasons
for the journey was to have the freedom to worship as they
wished. | www.luther2017.de
Luther House
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LUTHER
The man
who changed
history
Although Luther lived five centuries ago, his presence
is still tangible. In the cultural treasure chest that
is Saxony-Anhalt, visitors can, literally, walk in
his footsteps. They can see pulpits from which he
preached, and even eat the sort of sausages that he
would have enjoyed. They can also see what he looked
like. As well as statues and portraits, there is his death
mask – and also a cast of his hands – on display in
Halle (Saale). Here, too, are copies of the Bible with his
hand-written notes.
Martin Luther was a passionate and charismatic man. On
the one hand, he had a ferocious intellect; on the other,
he enjoyed his beer and food. He could be as stubborn as
a mule, but he was also great company and left thousands
of quotable quotes that are pithy, witty and memorable.
Although trained as a monk and ordained a priest, he
went on to choose a different life. In 1525, he married a
former nun, Katharina von Bora (1499-1552) and become a
devoted father and family man.
In his later years, Luther continued to write, teach and
preach hundreds of sermons, despite suffering from
painful illnesses, such as kidney stones. He also wrote
music, including carols and hymns, such as A Mighty
Fortress Is Our God.
Katharina von Bora
(1499-1552)
If ever there was a “power behind the throne,” it was
Katharina von Bora. Born of a noble, but poor, family, she
was sent away to school and then became a nun. In 1523,
with the Reformation under way, she and 11 fellow nuns escaped from their convent and fled to Wittenberg. According
to legend, they were taken in by the painter Lucas Cranach,
who was a friend of Martin Luther. On June 13, 1525, the
42-year-old former monk married the 26-year-old former
nun. During their long and happy marriage, she bore six
children, ran the household, organized the family finances,
dealt with Luther‘s publishers – and was his sole heir.
LUTHERSTADT EISLEBEN
Martin Luther’s Birthplace
Yet another UNESCO World Heritage site in Saxony-Anhalt,
Eisleben is where Luther was born, in 1483 – and where he
died, in 1546. Destroyed by fire in 1689, the Geburtshaus (his
birthplace), was reconstructed and soon became an early
example of “heritage tourism.” Visitors paid to see the bed
where he was, supposedly, born. Today, the house also has a
fascinating exhibition about Luther and the region where he
lived.
THE AMERICAN
CONNECTION
REBEL PRIESTS b Over 400 years after Martin Luther’s
act of rebellion, his story inspired another minister. In
1934, one Rev. Michael King from Georgia attended the Fifth
Baptist World Alliance Congress in Berlin. On that trip, he
“discovered” Luther. Inspired by the “rebel priest’s” struggle
for personal freedom, he changed his name to Martin Luther
King. So did his son and namesake, who became the Rev.
Martin Luther King Jr., the driving force behind the American Civil Rights Movement.
PHILIPP MELANCHTHON
(1497-1560)
Martin Luther was the lynchpin of the Reformation, but there were others,
who were important in the movement. One of these was Philipp Melanchthon.
A fellow professor at the University of Wittenberg, he was a great friend to Luther,
supporting, listening to and arguing with the Great Reformer. Preferring reason
to passion, Melanchthon stayed calm, even in heated debates, and looked for
areas of agreement with fellow Christians. He is buried in the Castle Church in
Wittenberg, close to Luther.
HALLE (SAALE)
In the center of the city is
the Market Church (Marktkirche), with its four spires.
Just inside is Luther’s death
mask. Long after it was
made, the features were
altered to disguise the effect
of a stroke on his eyelid. The
gnarled fingers on the cast
of his right hand show that
he also suffered badly from
rheumatism.
LUTHER’S WEDDING FESTIVAL
WITTENBERG
Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora
were married on June 13, 1525. That
occasion is celebrated every year with
a three-day, medieval-style party. The
highlight is the “wedding procession” –
a pageant complete with the couple and
their friends, such as portrait painter,
Lucas Cranach the Elder.
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THE BAUHAUS
Just over eighty years ago, Dessau was at the heart of a
brand new design and architectural movement that still
affects the way we live today. Founded in Weimar, the
Bauhaus (it translates as “Building School”) took root
in Dessau. Between 1925 and 1932, this school of design
brought together architects, artists, and designers – and
its legacy continues in the 21st century! No wonder it is yet
another of Saxony-Anhalt‘s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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THE BAUHAUS
Changing the
way we live
The Bauhaus philosophy addressed several aspects
and problems of modern life. One of the primary
themes was: How to maintain the human element in
an age of increasing industrialization.
The founder and first director was Walter Gropius (1883–
1969), who later moved to the U.S.A. He was followed by
two more significant architects, Hannes Meyer (1889–
1954) and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969). By
bringing together art, craft, and technology, the Bauhaus
aimed to create new designs for new ways of living.
Bauhaus professors and students valued simplicity; they
rejected the elaborate detail of the popular late-19th and
early-20th century Art Nouveau style. Typical Bauhaus
buildings were cubic in shape, with flat roofs and plain
façades.
“Open plan” rooms and offices were the norm; chairs,
tables, and other furniture were functional and quite
simplistic. Using modern materials and modern manufacturing techniques, these could be produced on an
industrial scale and relatively cheaply. So, good design
did not have to be the prerogative of the wealthy; it could
be afforded by ordinary people.
The Bauhaus movement included every facet of the fine
and the applied arts. From architecture and interior,
graphic and industrial design to painting and sculpture,
all of these disciplines showed the influence of this innovative school. For example, tubular steel furniture in what
is now referred to as the “Bauhaus style” has become a
timeless classic, the great-grandfather of designs that are
produced today and appreciated the world over.
Saxony-Anhalt continues to be a cultural treasure chest
for architects and designers. Not only does Dessau boast the
world’s largest concentration of original Bauhaus architecture, but the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation continues to be a
center of research, teaching, and experimental design.
BAUHAUS STAIRCASE
Walter Gropius
(1883-1969)
THE AMERICAN
CONNECTION
BAUHAUS BUILDINGS b The Bauhaus had a signifi-
cant effect on design in North America. Gropius moved to
the United States in 1937 and became the head of Harvard
University’s Graduate School of Design. In the same year, the
New Bauhaus was founded in Chicago (the Dessau school
had been closed down by the National Socialists in 1933),
with László Moholy-Nagy from Dessau as its director. It continues today as the Institute of Design, part of the Illinois
Institute of Technology. In New York City, classic Bauhausinspired architecture includes the Seagram Building (Ludwig
Mies van der Rohe, 1958) and the Whitney Museum of American Art (Marcel Breuer, 1966).
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The Bauhaus
THE BAUHAUS
UNESCO World
Heritage
In 1996, the Bauhaus sites in Dessau und Weimar were
awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. This recognized the unique role of these buildings in the history
of art, architecture, and design in the 20th century.
Opened in 1926, the most famous is the Bauhaus Building, the glass and concrete school designed by Walter
Gropius.
The Masters’ Houses
THE MASTERS
In 1925, the talent on the faculty was impressive: Walter
Gropius, László Moholy-Nagy (painter, graphic artist,
photographer), Oskar Schlemmer (painter, sculptor,
choreographer), plus painters Lyonel Feininger, Wassily
Kandinsky, and Paul Klee. Several of the original buildings
have been reconstructed and are open to the public today.
THE TÖRTEN ESTATE
Designed by Walter Gropius and built between 1926 and
1928, this innovative development is an early example
of municipal housing. Gropius wanted to encourage
self-sufficiency, so this estate of pre-fabricated, terraced
houses has kitchen gardens, where residents could grow
their own vegetables and raise chickens.
THE MASTERS’ HOUSES
Built in a peaceful pine wood, the Masters’ Houses
included three semi-detached houses (for the Bauhaus
professors) and one detached house for the school’s
director. Gropius’ vision was that: “Today‘s luxuries are
tomorrow‘s norm.” He used industrially prefabricated,
“building block” construction elements. On the façades
facing away from the street were balconies and terraces.
Inside, the hot water system was efficient; there
were walk-in closets; and modern furniture
included sofas that could be opened
up to make a double bed. The tall,
wide walls of glass must have shocked
people at the time. Almost a century on,
these houses still look fresh and
contemporary.
KORNHAUS RESTAURANT
Built in 1929-30, this restaurant and pub sits on the banks
of the Elbe River. Originally designed to have a balcony
overlooking the river, the semicircular front was glassed
in. Despite renovations over the years, many original
features survive and the Kornhaus is a popular spot for
locals to meet.
Kornhaus
Restaurant
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LAND
OF INVENTION
Saxony-Anhalt is the land of invention. And, deep in
the cultural treasure chest is the oldest-known graphic
representation of the cosmos: The Nebra Sky Disc.
Amazingly, 3,600 years ago, the people of SaxonyAnhalt could tell when the sun and the moon would
rise, thanks to their ingenious astronomical clock.
They were not the only ones to look at the world around
them and wonder: “How?” and “Why?” Back in 1654, Otto
von Guericke (1602-1686) heralded the age of experimental physics with his research into vacuums. Samuel
Hahnemann (1755-1843) is regarded as the Father of
Homeopathy. His house in Köthen is now a museum;
and the town also is home to the European Homeopathic
Library. Some 100 years ago, plant breeder Theodorus
van Waveren laid the foundations of the seed industry. In
the early 20th century, innovations included the first allmetal airplane, which was built in Dessau and the world’s
first Technicolor film, produced by Agfa.
Saxony-Anhalt is still a major international player in the
chemical and plastics industry, and in mechanical engineering. Every German-made car has at least one component manufactured in the state. Drive shafts for racing
cars and helmets for their drivers are also made here;
and, more than 90 percent of all Aspirin tablets made for
the European market come from Saxony-Anhalt. As for
the world’s tallest building, that is Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
But, it is only habitable thanks to water pumps that are
made in – you guessed it – Saxony-Anhalt!
SOLAR VALLEY
Saxony-Anhalt is at the
leading edge of technology.
Nowhere else in the world
features more companies
that are involved in the photovoltaic industry. Attracting
inward investment of almost
ten billion Euros in the past
20 years, the Solar Valley is
one of the success stories
of the renewable energy
industry.
NEBRA SKY DISK
Unearthed in 1999, the Nebra Sky Disc dates from the Bronze Age.
Either an astronomical instrument, a religious icon, or both, what
makes this disc extra special is that it is portable – unlike more
famous stone circles, such as Stonehenge. And experts reckon
that the Nebra Sky Disc actually harmonizes the solar and lunar
calendars.
OTTO VON GUERICKE
(1602-1686)
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GERMAN-AMERICAN
LINKS
The annual German-American Steuben
Parades in New York, Chicago and in
Philadelphia (September) celebrate
more than the achievements of
Baron von Steuben. They commemorate
the role played by Germans in the whole
history of the United States of America.
THE AMERICAN
CONNECTION
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WHAT’S IN A NAME? b German connections are everywhere. Saxony-Anhalt towns with namesakes range from
Wittenberg, Wisconsin to Freyburg and Dessau in Texas; Wittenberg University is in Ohio. And, there are twinned communities: Magdeburg is partnered with Nashville, Tennessee; Halle (Saale) with Savannah, Georgia; Wittenberg with
Springfield, Ohio; Schönebeck with Farmers Branch, Texas;
and Bernburg (Saale) with Anderson, Indiana. And the term
Pennsylvania Dutch recalls the German (Deutsch) settlers.
THE AMERICAN
CONNECTION –
Saxony-Anhalters
in the U.S.A.
Among the many men and women from SaxonyAnhalt, who had a profound effect on US history were
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Baron von Steuben, and
August Hermann Francke.
together German, Swedish and other
Lutheran congregations, he is acknowledged as the founder of the Lutheran
Church in the United States.
HENRY MELCHIOR Muhlenberg (1711-1787)
THE Muhlenberg
DYNASTY
When early German colonists in Pennsylvania needed
a pastor, Muhlenberg answered their call. In 1742, the
31-year-old set out for Philadelphia. Over the next five
decades, he saw Colonial America grow, go to war and
gain independence. As well as serving his own congregation, he traveled up and down the Eastern seaboard,
acting as advisor to other churches. In 1748, he formed the
first Lutheran synod in the Colonies. The liturgies that he
developed are still used today in Lutheran services across
the country. Because of his vision and ability to pull
“Clergymen, soldiers,
HENRY MELCHIOR
Muhlenberg (1711-1787)
scholars, statesmen, the
Muhlenbergs have represented the
best in our national life since the
earliest days of the Republic.”
That was how President Franklin D. Roosevelt summed
up the achievements of this family from Saxony-Anhalt,
back in 1942.
Muhlenberg and his wife had 11 children, including three
sons, who returned to Halle (Saale) to study at university.
They became ministers – and more. Peter served as a
Major General in the Continental Army and was elected
to the United States Senate. In 1789, Frederick became the
first Speaker of the House and his signature is the first
on the Bill of Rights. Henry became the first president of
what is today Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania.
A notable botanist, he is called the “American Linnaeus”
for his 1813 catalog of North American plants. MUHLENBERG MEMORIAL
The Muhlenberg family name
lives on at Muhlenberg College,
Allentown, Pennsylvania as well as
Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.
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Elevated to the rank of Inspector General, von Steuben
drew up the Blue Book, officially entitled Regulations for
the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States.
But, his ideas were not limited only to marching and
fighting. For example, his rules governed the setting up of
camps. In the interests of proper sanitation, kitchens and
latrines were apart from each other, on opposite sides of
the camp.
FRIEDRICH
VON STEUBEN
In 1781, the British were defeated at Yorktown. For the
battle, von Steuben commanded one of Washington’s
three divisions of troops. After the war, this Revolution­
ary hero became a citizen of the new nation and settled
in New York.
From a military perspective, no native of Saxony-Anhalt
has done more for the United States than Baron von
Steuben. According to military historian General John M.
Palmer: Across the United States, towns and counties are named
for von Steuben. There are even annual parades in his
honor! As part of German-American Friendship Week, the
Steuben Parade draws huge crowds in cities, such as New
York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.
(1730-1794)
“... the military services of two men,
and two men only, can be regarded
as indispensable to the achievement
of American independence. These two
men were Washington and Steuben.”
Biography of General von Steuben (1937)
During the American Revolution, military experience
and know-how were vital to the Continental Army. Born
in Magdeburg, Baron von Steuben had both. He also was
skilled in administration, training, and organization.
From a military family, he started out as an infantry
officer in the Prussian army. His ability was soon noticed,
and he was promoted to serve on the headquarters staff
of Frederick the Great. In 1777, Benjamin Franklin, then
representing the Continental Congress in Paris, gave von
Steuben a letter of introduction to General Washington.
The Baron joined the Continental Army at Valley Forge.
Although he spoke no English, he managed to communicate with American officers in French. Aiming to create
a disciplined fighting force, he brought uniformity and
order to drills and maneuvers. With 120 carefully-chosen
men, von Steuben created a “model company,” who then
passed on their expertise to each brigade. The Prussian
system was quickly learned.
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August Francke‘s legacy
is the Francke Foundation,
in Halle (Saale), with its
impressive antiquarian
library.
AUGUST HERMANN
FRANCKE
(1663–1727)
One of the most enlightened men of his age was
August Hermann Francke, a Lutheran Pietist in Halle
(Saale). He believed in education and developed new
teaching practices that were spread by his pupils
around the world. Today, his ideals are continued at
the Francke Foundation.
In 1698, Francke founded two schools; one for the poor, the
other for orphans. In time, courses ranged from physics
and chemistry to Latin, modern languages, botany, and
anatomy. His approach to teaching was surprisingly
modern. In addition to theory, students learned from
real life, looking at objects, such as stuffed animals and
models. They also learned practical skills in the garden
and the workshop. His pupils thrived and went on to
become Lutheran pastors, doctors, lawyers, and government officials.
Francke had many links with the American Colonies.
William Penn asked him to organize German emigration
to Pennsylvania; Cotton Mather in Boston corresponded
about the new form of education. And, it was Francke’s
son, who asked Muhlenberg to go to Pennsylvania on
behalf of the Francke Foundation.
All Lutheran pastors, who were sponsored to go to the
American colonies, were required to report back on what
they saw. Questions on itemized lists covered all aspects
of daily life. Today, these unique insights are in the impressive library of the Francke Foundation (Franckesche
Stiftungen) in Halle (Saale).
THE AMERICAN
CONNECTION
GERMAN-AMERICAN DAYS b Across the United
States, from Pennsylvania to California and from the
Midwest down to Texas, some 50 million Americans trace
their roots back to Germany. Among the early immigrants
were Saxony-Anhalters, drawn by the promise of religious
and political freedom, as well as the opportunity to build
businesses and to own land. Today’s German-American
parades celebrate that heritage.
KURT WEILL
(1900-1950)
Another “revolutionary” from Saxony-Anhalt is Kurt Weill,
whose Threepenny Opera, written in co-operation with Bertolt
Brecht in 1928, was a landmark in
musical theater. Weill and his wife,
Lotte Lenya, emigrated to the United
States in 1935, and became American
citizens. He continued his lifelong
work for social justice, while creating
major hits for Broadway with the
best lyricists and playwrights of the
day, from Ira Gershwin and Maxwell
Anderson to S.J. Perelman and Ogden
Nash. In his hometown of Dessau,
one of the Bauhaus Masters’ Houses
is now the Kurt Weill Center, with a
permanent exhibition and library
devoted to the famous composer.
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THE HALL OF MIRRORS
The music of Johann Sebastian Bach is loved
around the world. Legend has it that his
Brandenburg Concertos were first performed
in the Hall of Mirrors in Köthen Castle, where
the composer was Kapellmeister (Director of
Music) to the Prince of Anhalt-Köthen from
1717 to 1723. This elegant salon is still a magical place to attend a concert.
THE AMERICAN
CONNECTION
THE HALBERSTADT ORGAN PROJECT b What is
ORGAN2/ASLSP (As SLow aS Possible)? Created by John Cage,
the late American composer, this work is the slowest and
longest “concert” that the world has ever heard. It is due to
last 639 years! It began in 2000 at the Church of St. Burchardi
in Halberstadt. The first organ to have a “modern” keyboard
was made in this city back in 1361 – exactly 639 years before
the performance of Cage’s work began!
A CULTURAL
POWERHOUSE
From art
to music
Saxony-Anhalt’s treasure chest includes
masterpieces of music and painting.
Among their creators are three cultural
giants: the artist Lucas Cranach and
composers Johann Sebastian Bach and
George Frederick Handel.
The name “Bach” dominated the music
scene in the Saxony-Anhalt region
from 1600 to 1800. J. S. Bach
may be the most famous, but
64 members of his family were
professional musicians during
that era.
every other year). Among his most familiar works
is Cantata No. 80, Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott (A
mighty fortress is our God), inspired by the words
of Martin Luther. The Great Reformer’s belief
that music was an important part of worship has
continued through the centuries. With Bach,
a committed Lutheran, it found some of its
finest expression.
Like his relatives, J. S. Bach
was a talented organist and
piano player. However, he
is most remembered as a
composer, creating more than
1,000 works, of which more
than 220 survive today.
Among the best-known are the
Brandenburg Concertos, created
in Köthen, where Bach was Director
of Music for the Prince of AnhaltKöthen.
Today, the Bach House, one of two in
which Bach lived while in Köthen,
still stands. And, the city celebrates
him with the annual International
Bach Festival (early September,
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
(1685-1750)
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GEORGE FREDERICK LUCAS CRANACH
HANDEL
THE ELDER
(1685-1759)
(1472-1553)
An international celebrity in his own lifetime, Handel
created some of the world’s most popular pieces of classical music. He lived and worked in major cities across
Europe, from Germany and Italy to England.
Both a painter and printmaker, Lucas Cranach was one of
the foremost German artists of his time. And, it is thanks
to him that we know what Martin Luther looked like.
But, Handel was born in Halle (Saale). As a boy, his talent
was recognized and he was taught by Friedrich Wilhelm
Zachow, the organist at Halle’s Marktkirche church. Sadly,
none of his countless early compositions in Halle (Saale)
survive. However, his music does. Halle’s tradition of
“Händel-Festspiele” (Handel Festivals) or “Händel-Tage”
(Handel Days) goes back to 1922, when new productions
of his operas were the backbone of the festival program
– as they still are. Of the 42 operas, almost all have been
performed during the festival. Venues include the cathedral, the Marktkirche, the Handel House, and the GoetheTheater, in nearby Bad Lauchstädt.
Also in Halle (Saale) is the well-restored Handel House.
Designed to be a cultural center as well as a memorial
to the composer, this museum is devoted to music. The
regular Saturday evening concerts have been a fixture
for 60 years. Some of the programs are purely Handel;
others are themed; many feature works by Handel‘s contemporaries.
Cranach lived and worked in Wittenberg, and was a friend
of Luther. Not only did he paint portraits of the Great
Reformer and his wife, Katharina von Bora, he was a
witness at their wedding and godfather to their first son,
Johannes Luther.
An enthusiastic supporter of the Protestant Reformation,
Cranach was dubbed the “Reformation Painter.” He
conveyed Lutheran ideas through art, emphasizing man’s
individuality and the importance of faith as the way to
salvation. He positioned ordinary people in everyday
settings, often close to Christ. Saints and noblemen were
moved to the background
In Wittenberg, Cranach had numerous businesses. As well
as his studio and print workshop, he had an art school
and a pharmacy – and he even served as Mayor. Today,
the Cranach House and courtyard tell the story.
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GEORG PHILIPP TELEMANN (1681-1767)
MUSIC
IS IN THE BLOOD
In Saxony-Anhalt, music is part of everyday life. And
there is a reason for that. One of Luther’s passions was
worship through music:
“The riches of music are so excellent
and so precious that words fail me
whenever I attempt to discuss and
describe them ... next to the Word of
God, the noble art of music is the
greatest treasure in the world.”
After the Protestant Reformation, congregations were
encouraged to sing hymns, but songs were not limited
to church services. Communal singing became popular;
villages and workplaces had their own choirs. No wonder
this small region has produced and inspired so many
great musicians.
Today, that tradition is alive and well in Saxony-Anhalt.
From Handel’s Messiah to musicals, jazz and rock, there is
music everywhere and standards are impressively high.
The Kinderchor
(Childrens Choir) in
Halle (Saale), is one
of the best known
in Germany
Who was the most prolific composer of all time? According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the title goes
to Georg Telemann, with over 800 works to his credit.
One of his most famous is the Viola Concerto in G Major.
The first to be created specifically for that instrument,
it was composed between 1716 and 1721 – and is still
performed today.
Born in Magdeburg, Telemann was the son of a pastor
at the Heilig-Geist Church. His genius manifested itself
early on and he wrote an opera at the age of twelve. His
mother worried that he would turn into a “juggler, rope
dancer, minstrel, marmot trainer, etc.” Although she
tried to make him follow a more respectable profession,
Telemann followed his muse.
In fact, he became known for his works for Protestant
church services. Any and every occasion inspired him:
Sundays and feast days, the installation of a priest,
and the consecration of a new church. The Magdeburg
Telemann Festival has been held biennially in the city
since 1990, usually around the composer’s birthday:
March 14.
HEINRICH SCHÜTZ
(1585-1672)
The outstanding German composer of the early-Baroque
period was Heinrich Schütz. Born a century before
J. S. Bach, he wrote the first German opera and was nicknamed the “Father of German Music.”
The best place to learn about the man is at the HeinrichSchütz-House in Weissenfels, the town where he grew up
and where he returned to live in his old age. The exhibition
covers his family, social, and cultural roots, as well as the
late works he created here. Appropriately, Weissenfels
hosts an annual festival of his compositions, held on or
near his birthday: October 8.
22
QUEDLINBURG
With more than 1,300 half-timbered houses, Quedlinburg
is one of Europe’s most romantic cities. Strolling along the
cobbled streets is like walking through the history of halftimbered (post-and-beam) construction. Quedlinburg’s Old
Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. It is
considered to be an exceptional example of a medieval town,
but is not a museum – people live, work and play in this beautiful setting.
THE AMERICAN
CONNECTION
POST AND BEAM b German immigrants took their
wood-working skills with them to America, where wood
was profuse. They raised barns, houses, churches and
meeting halls in the New World, using this “post and
beam” construction. The tradition continues, especially
in Pennsylvania, where the Amish community still uses
this method for barns and houses.
SAXONYANHALT’s
half-timbered
architecture
Building with wood is a centuries-old tradition in
Saxony-Anhalt. Across the state, this special type of
architecture is yet another gem in the state’s cultural
treasure chest. To help visitors enjoy these beautiful
buildings, there is a special route, the German TimberFrame Road (Deutsche Fachwerkstrasse) that links
cities and towns, which have an abundance of this
picturesque style. Add a dusting of snow for the annual
Christmas markets, and it all looks like a Christmas
card come to life.
The German word Fachwerk means framework. One of
the world’s oldest systems of construction, it is – quite
simply – a skeleton formed by large timbers. This is the
main load-bearing structure. To create the walls, the gaps
are filled in with plaster, wooden planks, a mix of mud
and straw, or bricks.
QUEDLINBURG
Nowhere else in Germany has
more half-timbered buildings than
Quedlinburg. Some are black-andwhite, others have color, perhaps
ochre, blue or yellow. This is the
perfect place to explore, strolling
down ancient lanes to discover
delightful squares.
And, the place to learn more about
this architecture is the Fachwerkmuseum im Ständerbau. Appropriately, it is in Germany’s secondoldest half-timbered house!
Taken all together, it is no wonder
that the town has been a UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 1994.
More recently, it was highlighted
in 1,000 Places to See Before You
Die, the best-selling travel guide.
But, this architecture is not limited to country cottages.
In towns and cities, timber-framed buildings can be five
and six storys high. Upper floors may be larger than the
ground floor, with each level extending beyond the one
below. At the top, steep roofs and gables allow snow and
rain to run off easily. Half-timbering was tried and tested
long ago; many of these buildings have stood firm for
500 years or more. Ironically, this simple construction
technique originally housed the less well-off. Today, the
more affluent vie to live in these attractive and historic
buildings.
WERNIGERODE
In the Altstadt (Old
Town), the market
square is overlooked by
half-timbered buildings,
including the amazingly
ornate Town Hall, which
dates back to around
1500. There are side
streets for shopping,
such as the pedestrianonly Breite Strasse and
Kochstrasse, with the
smallest house in town
– its ground floor is just
one room!
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24
25
SOMEWHERE SPECIAL:
OSTERWIECK
A popular stop on the German Timber-Frame Road (Deutsche
Fachwerkstrasse), Osterwieck has 400 half-timbered houses
lining cobbled lanes. Built after a fire destroyed the town in
1511, the Altstadt (Old Town) has an attractive homogeneous
look, as all the houses are the same age and style. After the
Reformation, many inhabitants proclaimed their Protestant
faith by carving or painting Biblical quotes onto the beams of
their homes. These are still clearly visible today.
26
SAALE-UNSTRUT VINEYARDS
Among Europe’s most northerly vineyards, the
Saale-Unstrut wine region has been cultivated
since 998AD. Growing on hillsides overlooking the
Saale and Unstrut Rivers, 75 percent of the grape
varieties are white, mostly Müller-Thurgau and
Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc). These wines tend to
be light, dry and refreshing.
THE AMERICAN
CONNECTION
SOMETHING SPECIAL b Many favorite German foods
are also American favorites. In Saxony-Anhalt, for example,
Kaffee und Kuchen – or “coffee and cake” – has been part of
everyday life since coffee was introduced 400 years ago.
Every family has its own version of specialities, and the
recipes are handed down through the generations. One such
specialty is Streuselkuchen, familiar across the USA as –
crumb cake!
WINE
AND FOOD
In Saxony-Anhalt, food and drink are very much intertwined with culture.
CHEERS!
Saxony-Anhalters enjoy sharing the good things in life with friends
and visitors. Hasseröder, one of Germany‘s best-selling beers, has
been brewed in Wernigerode since 1872. But wines are also produced
in the Saale-Unstrut region. With its red foil top, the most famous is
the Champagne-style Rotkäppchen (it means Little Red Riding Hood),
founded in Freyburg in 1856. Today, this is one of Germany‘s biggest
selling sparkling wines, or „Sekts“. And, at the end of a meal, locals
will often offer guests Schierker Feuerstein, a herbal liqueur from
Schierke.
Open up the treasure chest and, like a big hamper, all the
ingredients are there for a delicious meal, along with a
glass of wine or a refreshing beer. Long known for its rich
soil, Saxony-Anhalt has a tradition of farming that produces everything from mouth-watering fresh asparagus
in May to fine beef from Harz highland cattle, plus goose
and game in the fall. Dishes special to the region range
from pork with plums to chicken stuffed with beets and
from roasted Bratwurst (sausages) to Dessauer Speckkuchen, a bacon quiche from Dessau. Around the SaaleUnstrut vineyards, wine festivals celebrate the grape
harvest in August and September.
HALLOREN
CHOCOLATES
From Halle (Saale), Halloren is the oldest chocolate maker in Germany.
Now well over 200 years
old, it is best known
for its Halloren Kugel, a
chocolate ball that comes
in a variety of flavors:
strawberry, cherry, blackcurrant, and more…
HARZ CHEESE
BAUMKUCHEN
A favorite in Saxony-Anhalt
in general and in Salzwedel
in particular, Baumkuchen is
cooked over an open wood
fire. Literally a “tree cake,” it is
made the old-fashioned way
by pouring layer upon layer of
batter onto a vertical spit fire
– creating a delicious “treeshaped” treat.
Made from traditional recipes,
Harz cheese is naturally low-fat
but high in protein, making it as
healthy as it is delicious. Golden
yellow and pungent, this cheese
can be plain, or flavored with caraway. Many farmers still make
it by hand; this artisan version
is labeled Bauernhandkäse or
Handkäse.
27
28
Handmade
Design
In Halle (Saale), one of the best places to appreciate
the results of this artistic output is Kleine Ulrich­
strasse, a street lined with small galleries, plus arts
and crafts shops. Find one-of-a-kind graphic arts
and pottery, fashion and jewelry, even handmade
children’s toys made of wood and tin. It all typifies
the city’s youthful buzz.
29
CONTEMPORARY
CREATIVITY
Saxony-Anhalt may have a thousand years of history,
but this small state does not rest on its laurels. The
top layer of the treasure chest sparkles with contemporary creativity. Since re-unification two decades ago,
Saxony-Anhalt’s productivity has outperformed all
the other regions of the former East Germany.
formed by Kirsten Hoppert and Steffen Kroll. Their focus
is product design and development, and also interior and
strategic design. Then, there is Aromicon, a virtual wine
tasting search engine created by designer Daniel Ackermann and engineer Alf Jahn. They turn flavors and tastes
into images, some with 3D animation. So, clients can
“taste” wines for free on the internet, before buying!
According to Axel Müller-Schöll, Rector of the Burg
Giebichenstein University of Art and Design in Halle
(Saale), there is a reason for that: “The region is centrally
located, with an excellent infrastructure of air, road, and
rail. But, it is the people that make the difference. There
is a creativity about the Saxony-Anhalter.”
About 10 percent of the university’s students come from
abroad; 40 percent are from former West Germany; and
50 percent from the former East Germany. “As well as
teaching we also encourage entrepreneurship. Our
Designhaus Halle encourages start-up businesses. We
help talented graduates to stay here and develop their
ideas and products. The attraction is that overheads
are lower, but the workforce is educated and talented.
Saxony-Anhalt benefits.”
The second largest university of its kind in Germany,
Burg Giebichenstein University was founded a century
ago, at about the same time as the Bauhaus. The school
has always moved with the times, and since 1958, has featured departments devoted to industrial design, interior
design, and environmental design – alongside the fine
and applied arts.
“Twenty or thirty years ago, design was all about making good products look beautiful. Today, it does more;
it provides a way to communicate between people and
brands. Designers lead from the front.” Alumni, who
have gone on to create companies with a national profile
include Formgold. They specialize in interior lighting,
which is ever more important in large buildings, such as
offices and schools. Another is Vertijet, a design studio
Tokio Hotel
It is not just classical music that courses
through the veins of every Saxony-Anhalter.
In 2001, identical twins Bill Kaulitz (vocals)
and Tom Kaulitz (guitar) met Gustav Schäfer
(drummer) and Georg Listing (bass guitarist) in
a club in Magdeburg. The rock band Tokio Hotel
was formed – and went on to wow fans around
the world. In September 2008, they were
named “Best New Artist” at the American MTV
Video Music Awards. In 2012, they won MTV‘s
Musical March Madness championship game.
An example of
Saxony-Anhalt
creativity;
a prototype
chair from
Halle (Saale)
30
EUROPA-ROSARIUM
IN SANGERHAUSEN
Founded in 1903, the Europa-Rosarium in Sangerhausen
houses the largest collection of roses in Europe, if not the
world. In summer, the 32-acre (13-hectare) Rose Park is a
showcase for more than 75,000 shrubs and 8,300 cultivars.
The roses are divided into 40 different categories. The wild
rose collection, for example, features some 500 varieties.
31
THE GREEN
STATE
If Saxony-Anhalt were a color, that color would be
green, thanks to its long horticultural traditions. This
is a state that is full of enthusiastic “green thumbs”!
Indeed, there are 43 historic gardens and parks in the
state-wide Garden Dreams network. Seven of these
parks and palace gardens make up the Garden Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is also the
Harz National Park, a wild mountain reserve shared
with neighboring state of Niedersachsen.
Reflecting this respect for the environment is SaxonyAnhalt’s focus on green technology and renewable energy. In 2011, the world’s most powerful wind energy facility began operation in Magdeburg. The tower stands 443
feet (135 meters) high, while the diameter of the blades is
417 feet (127 meters). What is more, Saxony-Anhalt boasts
the world‘s fastest-growing cluster of solar cell companies.
This conversion to green energy has had a dramatic and
positive effect on the environment. Between 1990 and
2004, energy-induced carbon dioxide emissions were
more than halved in Saxony-Anhalt.
THE GARDEN KINGDOM OF DESSAU-WÖRLITZ
In 2000, the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is not just one
garden or one palace; think of it as half-a-dozen country
estates, each with its own elegant rural retreat. Together,
they cover some 55 square miles (14,250 hectares). This
is more than twice the size of Manhattan, so it really is a
kingdom!
One of the highlights is Schloss Wörlitz, a late-18th
century gem. It was created by Prince Leopold III (aka
Prince Franz) of Anhalt-Dessau. During a visit to England,
he was so impressed by the country houses, with their
natural-looking parks, that he created his own version in
Germany. He transformed his estate, building a delightful palace and revamping the Baroque garden into a less
formal style. Today, they provide a glimpse into the world
of two centuries ago, complete with furniture, sculptures,
paintings, and Wedgwood porcelain.
Palace and Garden of Mosigkau
Garden Kingdom of Dessau-WörlItz
HARZ NATIONAL PARK
Saxony-Anhalt shares the Harz
National Park with neighboring
Niedersachsen. In all, the park
encloses 35 square miles (8,900
hectares), and is virtually uninhabited by man. However, the
forests of beech and spruce are
home to red deer, roe deer, wild
boar, and the European lynx,
classified as endangered and
recently reintroduced.
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DESSAU-WÖRLITZ GARDEN KINGDOM
Between the Elbe and Mulde Rivers, the Dessau-Wörlitz
Garden Kingdom is a spectacular combination of historical
gardens, buildings, follies, and sculptures. Most unusual is
an imitation Vesuvius set on a small island: An artificial but
still functioning volcano! One of the most pleasant ways to
explore is by boat or gondola. Many of the waterways are
crossed by little bridges, which add to the charm. Since 2000,
the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz has been a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, one of four in Saxony-Anhalt.
34
ANNUAL
FESTIVALS AND
EVENTS
Kurt W eill Festival ,
Dessau
Late February/early March Each year brings a different theme, and a new line-up of
top artists, to the festival honoring local hero Kurt Weill.
Luther’s Wedding festival ,
Lutherstadt Wittenberg
Early June
Locals dress in medieval costume to celebrate the
wedding vows of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora.
Lasting for three days, it is one of the most spectacular
festivals in Germany.
MDR Summer Music Festival ,
various cities
June – September
A regional festival spread over three neighboring
states, this special concert series covers genres ranging
from classical to world music. Some performances are
on authentic period instruments.
International Reformation Music Festival,
Lutherstadt Wittenberg
Early July
This festival commemorates the important role played by
music in the time of the Reformation. Performers include
well-known artists from around the world and from
different religious backgrounds.
Wittenberg Renaissance Music Festival ,
Lutherstadt Wittenberg
Late October
A curtain raiser to the annual Reformation celebrations,
this festival focuses on Renaissance music and period
instruments.
“Händels open” in
Halle (Saale)
Handel Festival ,
Halle (Sa ale)
Late May/early June
Most of the concerts take place in venues with a Handel
connection, such as the cathedral, the Marktkirche, and
the Handel House.
THE LUTHER DECADE
In the ten years leading up to 2017, the 500th
anniversary of the start of the Protestant
Reformation, each year has a special theme.
2012 REFORMATION AND MUSIC
Both in church and in the home, the Reformation introduced new attitudes to music in Europe, influencing composers such as Bach, Handel and Liszt.
2013 REFORMATION AND TOLERANCE
Emphasising the importance of an ecumenical community
without national or confessional borders, this year addresses the intolerant facets of the Reformation.
CHRISTMAS/ADVENT MARKETS Late November to Christmas
During Advent, cities and towns across Saxony-Anhalt
dress in festive finery. Against a backdrop of half-timbered
houses, the Yuletide spirit reigns in Christmas markets,
where stalls sell traditional crafts and decorations.
2019 The Bauhaus
The most famous art and design movement of modern
times celebrates its centenary.
2014 REFORMATION AND POLITICS
A time to examine issues of the Reformation that remain
with us today: authority and personal responsibility, faith
and power, freedom of conscience and human rights.
2015 REFORMATION: VISUAL ARTS AND THE BIBLE
On the 500th anniversary of the birth of Lucas Cranach
the Younger, experts consider Luther’s influence on art in
the Reformation period.
2016 REFORMATION AND THE ONE WORLD
The Reformation spread from Wittenberg to the rest
of the world, especially to the U.S.A. This year focuses on
the global influence of Protestantism.
2017 ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION
In its 500th anniversary year, the Reformation is celebrated worldwide, with ecclesiastical and cultural events,
major conferences and important exhibitions.
35
UTA OF
NAUMBURG
Germany’s answer to the
Mona Lisa is Uta of Naumburg. Her statue in Naumburg Cathedral is one of 12
that were carved in the 13th
century by an anonymous
stonemason, dubbed the
Naumburg Master. Legend
has it that Uta was the
insp­iration for the evil
queen in Walt Disney’s 1937
film, Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs.
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Europe
Saxony-Anhalt
300 Miles
600 Miles
Saxony-Anhalt
Germany
1.200 Miles
Stendal
Berlin
hanover
Magdeburg
Halberstadt
Dessau-Rosslau
Lutherstadt Wittenberg
Wernigerode
Quedlinburg
Köthen
Lutherstadt Eisleben
Halle (Saale)
leipzig
Naumburg
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37
traditional
Christmas
market
Nothing conjures up the spirit
of the Festive Season more than
Saxony-Anhalt’s traditional
Christmas markets. In many
towns, you are walking in the
footsteps of Martin Luther:
choirs sing carols that Luther
wrote; cooking on the grill are
sausages that Luther loved;
Baumkuchen (cake) is made
over an open flame.
Half-timbered house
in Quedlinburg