The language: I made a goal before embarking on this journey that, although I am traveling with an English-speaking group, to speak and practice my German to any locals. This has been intimidating, thrilling and rewarding all at once. A simple act of being able to order a cappuccino or sandwich fully in German makes all the studying worthwhile. Furthermore, I think it has added a great depth to my understanding of many museums and shows we have seen. Immersing in this language and culture is a dream come true.
Yesterday we had the opportunity to visit St. Nicholas' and St. Thomas' churches, where Bach worked. Beforehand, I and a few other stopped by the flower shop and got roses to lay on Bach's grave in the church. This was a truly moving experience that displayed in the simplest way my immense gratitude and honor for the composers' works and music that has been a large influence of my life and study. The churches themselves were splendid. Words are not adequate to describe their grandeur. High ceilings, engravings and stained glass to create a beauty I have not before experienced.
I also had the opportunity to experience the GDR museum yesterday reflecting on the Cold War, divided Germany and how immigration has affected Germany today. I spent about 3 hours here and am sure I didn't see everything. There was an overwhelming amount of documents and replications of life during this period. I was blown away. After studying this period intensively this last semester in German, the exhibits were revealing and intriguing. I would go back in a heartbeat and probably have just as great of a experience. It's remarkable to be able to have such an experience that is difficult to fathom having grown up in a much different time and country.
Last night we saw the Threepenny Opera. I haven't experienced much opera, but have studied enough to recognize this as a very different show. It was highly entertaining, and the music incredible, but certainly a different plot. The set featured the letters of the name of the opera being moved around for different sites. A funny, and different experience. It will be fun to juxtapose this with the other more serious operas we will see later.
Today we visited both the Schumann and Mendelssohn houses. One of my favorite moments of the trip thus far has been virtually conducting a movement of a Mendelssohn symphony. Hopefully someday I will have the opportunity to play one. The Schumann house was not large, but revealing. Just standing in the room and chamber that such a phenomenal artist worked is an irreplaceable experience.
Today we happened to stroll through a very old graveyard, where we found a stone commemorating Wagner's mother and sister!
It's impossible to put all my thoughts and experiences into a short post, but I cannot believe I have seen so much in one week. I have quickly fallen in love with the German language, fantastic music, cobbelstone streets and exceptional food and drink. Tomorrow we head to Berlin and I cannot wait to see the adventure that awaits there.
Photo: reflection of the city in the Gewandhaus Concert hall! (Where we saw the Brass Quintet and will see the orchestra tonight!)
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