|
Saxony’s largest city, and the second-largest in the
former East Germany, Leipzig is justly famous as the
city of J S Bach. Amongst its many fine old buildings,
including the Old Town Hall and the lovely ornate
Bourse, stands St Thomas’ Church, where Bach was cantor
for the last 27 years of his life, and where he composed
so many of his great works. His famous Thomaner Choir
still regularly sings in the church, the composer
himself is buried in it, and the town also contains
significant Bach archives.
This is also the city of the world- famous Gewandhaus
Orchestra, while the opera celebrated its tercentenary
in 1993. There is an interesting museum of musical
instruments attached to the university, and the city
also hosts a cultural fair (music and theatre) in May
and June.
The other main attraction of Leipzig – and a very
important one, too! – is its centuries-old International
Trade Fair. Reunification has meant great advances here,
and visitors to the Fair will find considerably improved
and modernised exhibition halls. |
