Memorial reading for Eduard Mörike: An evening full of music and history!

Memorial reading for Eduard Mörike: An evening full of music and history!

On June 1, 2025, a special commemorative reading will take place in Lorch Monastery in honor of the important German poet Eduard Mörike. This event, which lasts from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., marks the occasion three days before the 150th anniversary of Mörike's death. The Friends of Lorch Monastery e.V. and Music in Lorch are the organizers of the evening, at which the reader Klaus-Dieter Mayer will present the novella “Mozart on the Journey to Prague”. The reading will be accompanied by the music group Trio Château, consisting of experienced musicians such as Norbert Strobel (oboe), Peter Fellhauer (clarinet) and Albrecht Holder (bassoon).

Tickets for the event cost 25 euros, including a service fee. Two euros of the ticket price go towards the Christiane Eichenhofer Foundation's Ginko tour. Students have free entry. Those interested can send tickets via email info@kloster-lorch.com or order by phone at 07172/928497.

Inspiration and background of Mörike's novella

Mörike's novella "Mozart on the Journey to Prague", which is considered an important artist's novella of the 19th century, was written on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The fictional story takes place in the fall of 1787 and describes Mozart's journey with his wife Konstanze from Vienna to Prague for the premiere of his opera “Don Giovanni”. During this time, Mozart is surprised in Count von Schinzberg's palace gardens when he picks an orange, which leads to an amusing argument with the count's gardener.

This novella is not only a homage to Mozart, but also reflects Mörike's personal memories. The music from “Don Giovanni” reminds Mörike of his late brother August, which served as a motif for him to write. In a solemn scene in the castle, Mozart is invited to perform his almost completed opera to the assembled company. The premonition of his protagonist Eugenie, who suspects Mozart's imminent death, is clearly noticeable in the music.

Influence and reception

“Mozart on the Journey to Prague” first appeared in the magazine “Morgenblatt für Erdede Stände” in 1855 and was published in a book edition in November of the same year. Since its publication, it has been considered one of the best-known artists' novellas and was even included in the "German Novella Treasure" by Paul Heyse and Hermann Kurz. The poetic conclusion of the novel, the poem “Think it, O soul!”, reinforces the prophetic mood that runs through the entire story.

The cultural significance of Mörike's novella is also evidenced by various adaptations and works in other media. From a film adaptation in 1940 to radio play productions and more, it continues to be recognized by the public and remains a fascinating piece of German literary history. This evening at Lorch Monastery, the connection between literature and music will be celebrated, honoring the legacy of Eduard Mörike and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

For more information about the event and the singers in the project, visit the website www.musik-in-lorch.de.