Music Museums in Germany
This website was developed by the Commissioner of the Federal Government for Culture and Media.
© Copyright 2007-2010 Arbeitsgemeinschaft Musikermuseen in Deutschland
English translation: Helge Goldhahn
Am Kirchhof 2
06193 Löbejün
Phone +49.34603.71188
Fax +49.34603.71189
Web: www.carl-loewe-gesellschaft.de
E-Mail: vorstand@carl-loewe-gesellschaft.de
The Carl Loewe Research Center and Memorial in the landmarked Carl Loewe House lies in the center of Loebejuen in the immediate vicinity of the City Hall, Market Place, and the Carl Loewe Monument. The birthplace of Carl Loewe, erected as a schoolhouse in 1530, was demolished in 1886 due to dilapidation. In 1886/87, a new school building arose in the same location on the foundation wall of the birthplace – today's Carl Loewe House, which is located in the middle of the historic city center of Loebejuen next to the City Church of St. Peter.
After the opening of the small museum in 1999, since 2004 the City of Loebejuen has made the entire Carl Loewe House available to the International Carl Loewe Society e.V. (Registered Association) for use as a research center and memorial since 2004.
Consisting of four areas, the memorial in honor of the most significant German ballad composer, born in this city, is understood as the coordinating center for research and the maintenance of the heritage of Carl Loewe worldwide. The museum section is located on the attic floor with its architecturally attractive wood beam structure. The exhibition, “Carl Loewe – Life and Work of the Composer of the Romantic Period” can be seen here. Moreover, the chamber concert hall, the Loewe Archive currently under construction, and the office of the International Carl Loewe Society e.V. (Registered Association) can be visited in the Carl Loewe House.
Germany possesses musical traditions and legacies of extraordinary value: Handel, Schuetz and Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms, and Wagner - to mention only a few names - are composers who are known and treasured throughout the world. Their work has played a significant role in shaping a unique musical landscape.
Numerous orchestras, choruses, ensembles, renowned music festivals and series, music houses with museums, public archives and libraries, but also private collections preserve their musical heritage.
It is necessary to revitalize this inestimable fund again and again and to develop it for the present. At the same time, an important role befits the houses combined in the consortium of music museums of Germany. In them we encounter the work of the musicians and composers who have extraordinarily enriched the cultural nation of Germany. However, beyond the individual portrait, beyond the procurement of individual oeuvres, the music museums also contribute overall to the maintenance of musical tradition. The present brochure underscores this aspect of the synoptic presentation and invites the reader on a journey into the musical history of Germany. I hope this tour guide will be actively used and receive a large response.
Bernd Neumann, Member of the Lower House of the German Parliament
Minister of State with the Federal Chancellor
Commissioner of the Federal Government for Culture and Media
Quoted from: Foreword to the brochure "Music Museums in Germany", 2007.