Wolfgang Kleber © Christa Daum

"Kunst der Fuge" – Lecture and organ concert with Wolfgang Kleber

Symmetries in Bach's great triple fugue and its counterpoints
Bach's narrative art is set in a sound building of refined architecture. The rich colours of the organ illustrate the interplay of voices.
23.11.2025, 17:00 – 21:30

Lecture, Concert
Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche Munich

Since its publication in 1751, "Die Kunst der Fuge" has fascinated players, listeners and musicologists alike. Bach's narrative artistry stands in a sound structure of refined architecture. However, the work appears incomplete. The numerous analyses and hypotheses differ above all on the question of whether the work could not be completed because Bach fell ill and died, or whether the work as we have it today was planned by the composer.
The arguments in favour of a deliberate structure of the work will be presented by Wolfgang Kleber in his lecture at 17:00. In his subsequent performance of the work at 20:00, the rich colours of the organ will benefit the musical conversations between the two to six voices.
The two parts of the event can also be attended independently.

Works by J. S. Bach

  • Die Kunst der Fuge (BWV 1080)

  • Vor deinen Thron tret ich (BWV 668):

    BWV 651–668: Achtzehn Choräle der Leipziger Originalhandschrift

Venue

Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche Munich

Lecture in the parish hall, at 19:00 concert in the church

Mathunistr. 25
80686 München

To the website Approach
  • Car parks:

    Yes

Organiser

Tickets

This event is free of charge.

Hinweis zu Ticketing bzw. Reservierung:

Donations are requested for the organ of the Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche.

More information

  • Duration of the event:

    17:00 – 21:30

  • Note on access:

    The lecture begins at 17:00 in the parish hall. After a break, the organ concert will follow at 20:00 in the church in the same building.

  • In which language:

    German

Wolfgang Kleber
Wolfgang Kleber © Christa Daum
Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche
Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche © Toni Ziegler

Organiser

Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche Munich

With the Paul Gerhardt Church, the parish has an outstanding sacred building from the 1950s in the west of Munich. For the first time in a Protestant church building, visible brickwork was used not only on the outside but also on the inside as an element of interior design, modelled on Swedish architecture. As part of a comprehensive organ renovation, a new console with new technology was installed in 2024. The church is part of the spacious community centre.

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