Testimony to medieval music history
The Historisches Museum Thurgau is loaning the world-famous Gradual from St. Katharinental Abbey, one of the most precious and magnificent manuscripts in Switzerland, to the "Zankapfel Thurgau" exhibition.
The Gradual from the former St. Katharinental monastery, a chorale book weighing thirteen kilograms and dating from 1312, is one of the most precious and magnificent manuscripts in our country. It contains numerous artistically high-quality miniatures on a gold background, filigree initials, musical notes and Latin hymn texts. Almost 60 years ago, the Swiss National Museum bought it back from the art market for 400,000 francs with the financial support of the Canton of Thurgau.
From November 29, it can now be seen for two months in the newly renovated Frauenfeld Castle as part of the castle exhibition "Zankapfel Thurgau", which focuses on the turbulent but also artistically productive period of the 14th and 15th centuries.
On the first Sunday of Advent, the specialist ensemble La Morra will perform two chants from the Graduale. Art historian Elke Jezler will explain the special features of the exclusive Thurgau medieval manuscript in more detail. Families and young guests will also be taken on a journey into medieval everyday and monastery life by the castle figures, the chambermaid Barbara and the cook Elsi. Admission to Advent Sunday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) is free.
