Maximilian’s Procession in Basel

11 September 2023

Almost 525 years after his defeat in 1499 in the Swabian War, the triumphal entry of Emperor Maximilian (1459-1519) into Basel represents not only a historical moment but also an art-historical and musical monument.

With the colossal painting, Maximilian commissioned a project around 1510 that dwarfed all previous projects. ReRenaissance takes the image as the occasion for the festival Music and Power—Maximilian’s Triumphal Entry into Basel (Musik und Macht. Maximilians Triumphzug).

For three days, from 22 to 24 September, more than 50 musicians will present a varied music programme related to the imperial court.

Ludwig Senfl (c. 1486-1543) worked at Maximilian’s court and is considered Switzerland’s most famous Renaissance composer. His songs range from the subdued “Patientiam” to the exuberant “Oho, so geb der Mann ein Pfenning”. The festival presents his works in all their shades.

The printer Peter Schöffer (1475-1547) published a collection of songs for Maximilian. Lost music books turned up in an estate in 2020, and more than a third of the songs could be reconstructed. They represent the height of song art at Maximilian’s court.

Various formations will perform this and other partly unknown court music. The festival also unites 30 musicians in a large orchestra for the gala concert in the Martinskirche on 23 September.

(Source and further information: ReRenaissance-Forum Frühe Musik)