This morning I trudged through the falling snow for over half an hour to attend mass at one of the major landmarks of Paderborn, Germany, the Cathedral (Dom). It was like a pilgrimage of sorts. As you approach the cathedral, you see the bell tower looming in the distance, and when the bells ring on the quarter hour, you definitely hear it, too!
Once inside, the church was still decorated for Christmas. I am told that it is a tradition in Germany to display Christmas trees and nativity scenes in churches until the end of January. I’ve been to masses in German in Vienna before, but this one mixed German for the readings with Latin for the responses. Listening to the full choir perform chant selections and Orlando di Lasso’s Missa Octavi Toni for the mass responses (Gloria, Credo, etc.) along with a brilliant organist was truly inspiring. The church was warmer than I thought it would be, but the large number of people in attendance all wore coats (and hats, too).
The view from the pew. (Click photo for larger image) Don't worry, I took the photo after mass was over, and didn't use flash.
Elisa Koehler is Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Formerly the Director of the Center for Dance, Music, and Theatre at Goucher College and the Music Director and Conductor of the Frederick Symphony Orchestra, she is a professional conductor, trumpeter, and author. Dr. Koehler has performed on both modern and period instruments with the Bach Sinfonia, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Handel Choir of Baltimore, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Washington Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble, Baltimore’s Bach Concert Series, and as the leader of Newberry's Victorian Cornet Band. Her publications include two books: Fanfares and Finesse: A Performer’s Guide to Trumpet History and Literature (Indiana University Press) and A Dictionary for the Modern Trumpet Player (Rowman & Littlefield), numerous articles on historic brass for the ITG Journal, and new performing editions of the Haydn and Hummel trumpet concerti for Carl Fischer Music. She was named a Distinguished Alumna by the University of Tennessee in 2009 and elected to the Board of Directors of the International Trumpet Guild in 2017. In 2014 Dr. Koehler received Goucher College's highest faculty honor, the Caroline Doebler Bruckerl Award, which recognizes an exemplary faculty member in the areas of scholarship, teaching, and service. She earned a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the Peabody Conservatory, a master’s degree in trumpet performance from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and bachelor’s degrees in both music education and performance from Peabody.
View all posts by Elisa Koehler
Elisa Koehler 