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In the studio: "Composed for cheerfulness"

The Coburg court conductor Melchior Franck

23.02.2024 - 06.10.2024 ,
Kunstsammlungen der Veste Coburg (Art Collections of the Veste Coburg)

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not accessible
Opening Times
Open today 09:30-17:00
Address
Veste Coburg
96450 Coburg
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When Duke Johann Casimir built up his small yet astonishingly glamorous court, music also benefited: in the winter of 1602/1603, the young Melchior Franck took up the post of Coburg Court Kapellmeister, which was to become his life's work. Franck became one of the most productive composers of the 17th century. With his drinking and social songs, love songs and his "Reuterliedlein", he had a significant influence on German-language song culture. Some pieces of music, which were composed on the eve of and during the Thirty Years' War, were specifically "composed for cheerfulness" and "useful for averting melancholy sadness" - as Franck put it on the title pages. The exhibition was organised in collaboration with the Melchior Franck Circle and provides an insight into the life and work of the Coburg court conductor. Historical musical instruments from Melchior Franck's time can also be seen and heard.

Last edited on 14.10.2024

Additional information

Image gallery

Illustration of historical musical instruments on a wooden lid with lock (opens enlarged image)
Cabinet with depictions of musical instruments (detail) Franconia/Thuringia, around 1600 © Kunstsammlungen der Veste Coburg (Art Collections of the Coburg Fortress)
Some musical instruments, such as a violin and a mandolin, lie on sheets of music. (opens enlarged image)
Scenography with historical musical instruments and compositions by Melchior Franck © Kunstsammlungen der Veste Coburg (Art Collections of the Coburg Fortress); Landesbibliothek Coburg; Melchior-Franck-Kreis. Photo: Dieter Ertel

Associated museum

Museum / Exhibition Centre: Kunstsammlungen der Veste Coburg (Art Collections of the Veste Coburg)

The Veste Coburg, also called "the Franconian crown", rises high above the town with its mighty walls and towers and is worth a visit in itself. The medieval castle flourished at the beginning of the...

Location: Coburg