In 1736, music history was written in the organ loft of the Frauenkirche: Johann Sebastian Bach gave an acclaimed concert. Many of his works will be heard again in 2025. Photo: Jörg Schöner
Johann Sebastian Bach wrote music history from Central Germany and continues to shape our understanding of ‘sound’ and ‘harmony’ to this day. He had a close relationship with Dresden and gave concerts here, including in the Frauenkirche, of which he is the musical patron. To mark the 275th anniversary of his death, his works will be performed under its dome and at other locations in the city throughout 2025.
2025 is a special year for Bach, as it marks the 275th anniversary of the great composers death. Simultaneously, he would have turned 340 years old. This double milestone provides a perfect reason to rediscover his timeless works or explore them more deeply. In Dresden, one of the cities where he once worked, there are many opportunities to do so. Throughout the year, his music will be performed at various venues, including the famous Frauenkirche. Notably, on December 1, 1736, while the church was still under construction, Bach ascended its organ loft and played the newly built Silbermann organ for two hours. Although what he performed remains unknown, this year many organists and musicians will follow in his footsteps, reviving the rich and beautiful soundscapes of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Bach and Dresden: On the trail of the great baroque master
Dresden, with its beautiful old town skyline, remained a place of longing for Johann Sebastian Bach. Photo: Tomy Heyduck (DML-BY)
The composer Johann Sebastian Bach and the city on the Elbe share a long history. Bach visited Dresden several times, performing at various venues and receiving much acclaim. He would have loved to live and work here. His admiration for this city of art and culture is well documented. Since his position in Leipzig was poorly paid, he made every effort to become Dresden’s court conductor. With cantatas like Preise Dein Glücke, gesegnetes Sachsen, he sought to charm the ears of the heir to the throne, August III. As a devout Protestant, he even composed a Catholic mass. In 1733, he presented the first parts of the Mass in B minor. The original scores are still preserved in the Saxon State and University Library (SLUB). Although the sovereign praised his talent and later granted him the title of court composer, Bach lost the competition for the position to Johann Adolf Hasse—a name few people remember today.
Concerts to mark the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s death in Dresden
Johann Sebastian Bach will be at the centre of the Frauenkirche’s music programme in 2025. Photo: Hans-Christian Hoch
Johann Sebastian Bach ultimately triumphed posthumously, as shown by the many performances of his works in Dresden today. The Christmas Oratorio is a regular part of the repertoire of both the Dresden Kreuzchor in the Kreuzkirche and the chamber choir in the Frauenkirche during Advent. His Passions are equally indispensable around Easter. In 2025, the anniversary of his birth and death, Bach’s music will be performed throughout the year. Highlights include the Christmas Oratorio, St. John Passion, and Mass in B minor. His complete organ works will also be played on the Gottfried Silbermann organ in Dresden Cathedral. With cantatas, arias, and motets, the full range and timeless beauty of his works will come to life.
Johann Sebastian Bach wrote music history from Central Germany and continues to shape our understanding of ‘sound’ and ‘harmony’ to this day. He had a close relationship with Dresden and gave concerts here, including in the Frauenkirche, of which he is the musical patron. To mark the 275th anniversary of his death, his works will be performed under its dome and at other locations in the city throughout 2025.
2025 is a special year for Bach, as it marks the 275th anniversary of the great composers death. Simultaneously, he would have turned 340 years old. This double milestone provides a perfect reason to rediscover his timeless works or explore them more deeply. In Dresden, one of the cities where he once worked, there are many opportunities to do so. Throughout the year, his music will be performed at various venues, including the famous Frauenkirche. Notably, on December 1, 1736, while the church was still under construction, Bach ascended its organ loft and played the newly built Silbermann organ for two hours. Although what he performed remains unknown, this year many organists and musicians will follow in his footsteps, reviving the rich and beautiful soundscapes of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Bach and Dresden: On the trail of the great baroque master
The composer Johann Sebastian Bach and the city on the Elbe share a long history. Bach visited Dresden several times, performing at various venues and receiving much acclaim. He would have loved to live and work here. His admiration for this city of art and culture is well documented. Since his position in Leipzig was poorly paid, he made every effort to become Dresden’s court conductor. With cantatas like Preise Dein Glücke, gesegnetes Sachsen, he sought to charm the ears of the heir to the throne, August III. As a devout Protestant, he even composed a Catholic mass. In 1733, he presented the first parts of the Mass in B minor. The original scores are still preserved in the Saxon State and University Library (SLUB). Although the sovereign praised his talent and later granted him the title of court composer, Bach lost the competition for the position to Johann Adolf Hasse—a name few people remember today.
Concerts to mark the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s death in Dresden
Johann Sebastian Bach ultimately triumphed posthumously, as shown by the many performances of his works in Dresden today. The Christmas Oratorio is a regular part of the repertoire of both the Dresden Kreuzchor in the Kreuzkirche and the chamber choir in the Frauenkirche during Advent. His Passions are equally indispensable around Easter. In 2025, the anniversary of his birth and death, Bach’s music will be performed throughout the year. Highlights include the Christmas Oratorio, St. John Passion, and Mass in B minor. His complete organ works will also be played on the Gottfried Silbermann organ in Dresden Cathedral. With cantatas, arias, and motets, the full range and timeless beauty of his works will come to life.
Click here for an overview of concert highlights in Dresden in 2025 to mark the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s death, including booking options.
The venues for for over 30 concerts are the Frauenkirche, the Kreuzkirche, the Dresden Cathedral (former Catholic Court Church) and the Kulturpalast.
In addition to outstanding Dresden orchestras such as the Dresden Kreuzchor, the Chamber Choir and the Philharmonic Orchestra, guests such as the Canadian concert organist Isabelle Demers will also be performing.