Hymns of Praise

The siblings Fanny Hensel and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy adored Johann Sebastian Bach. That the thirteen-year-old Fanny recited the 24 preludes of the »Well-Tempered Piano« to her father off by heart is evidence of her insight into the work, which confidently resonates in the romantic tone of her cantatas. She wrote her cantata »Lobgesang – Meine Seele ist stille« in 1831 for her son Sebastian’s birthday.
Felix replied in 1840 with his Symphony No. 2 »Lobgesang«, which combines cantata and symphony.

Bachchor Heidelberg and Philharmonisches Orchester Heidelberg have enjoyed their close collaboration for many years, shaping this town’s music life. The 2026/27 concert season brings the dedicated amateur choir together with the orchestra for a particularly varied programme in four concerts, presenting a wide panorama of the fascinating range of sacred music.