Dresden's popular love for music and the city's musical traditions are evident everywhere. To some extent, even without attending a formal concert, you can still appreciate the characteristic atmosphere of Dresden's musical scene. A short stroll around Schlossplatz or Theaterplatz on a calm summer evening will definitely give you the opportunity to meet clusters of street musicians doing their best to attract the attention of passing crowds. These may include student violinists from Dresden's Music College, jazz performers from the Neue Tonne Jazz Club or even mouth organists who have in some way or another excelled in their field of music. At the foot of the steps which lead up to the Bruhlsche Terrasse, I joined the hundreds who were listening attentively to a live performance given by an opera tenor accompanied by orchestra music from an electric organ. Obviously he was not a Jose Carreras or a Placido Domenigo but his high-pitched voice echoing across Schlossplatz was enough to stir up the atmosphere and give listeners a feel for classical music.
Such street music which frequently fills up the squares and streets of Dresden's most popular areas cannot be compared with the superlative performances regularly given inside the Semper Opera House on Theaterplatz, the Kulturpalast on the Altmarkt or the Operetta theatre along Pirnaer Landstrasse. The Opera House itself is a huge building whose beautiful external architecture mirrors its glorious interior. The theatre or auditorium where performances are held is a stately and imposing place whose elegance and decor few other theatres can match. The celebrated Sachsische Staatskapelle orchestra which dominates the Opera House musical scene is backed up by 450 years of opera history. Since its foundation, it has always been conducted by great composers of the caliber of Heinrich Schutz, Johann Adolph Hasse, Carl-Maria von Weber and Richard Wagner. Don Giovanni, Falstaff, Madame Butterfly, and La Boheme are some of the top operas featured here. They definitely surpass all expectations with regards to orchestra, vocal modulation and theatrical skill.
Equally amusing and aesthetically as pleasing are the concerts organised by the Dresden Philharmonic City Orchestra which sets up frequent first-class musical performances in the main hall of the Kulturpalast Civic centre on the Altmarkt. By no means can the place be compared for elegance with the Semperoper auditorium but those who are attracted by lighter classical music should undoubtedly come here. Popular musical specimens from Strauss and Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms, Stavinsky and Dvorak directed by world-renowned music masters are featured regularly inside the Kulturpalast.
As entertaining as the waltzes and symphonies played by the Philharmonic Orchestra are the operettas presented with style and excellence by the Staatsoperette Dresden inside the theatre at Pirnaer Landstrasse. The atmosphere here is more relaxed and less refined than in the Semper Opera House. However, the hours of entertainment provided by a combination of fine orchestra music, excellent singing, first-class acting and a fully equipped stage are equally pleasing and rewarding.
Besides operas, light classical music and operettas, Dresden is also the right place to be if you are fond of choral or church music. Most prominent in the vocal sphere is the internationally noted Dresden Kreuzchor Boys' Choir. This group of 400 young singers who perform choral parts mostly pertaining to sacred and church music rehearses and performs inside the reconstructed Kreuzkirche located on the southeast edge of the Altmarkt. Be here on a Saturday at 6pm when the choir gives a free grand-scale vesper singing performance accompanied by organ music. Numerous other vocal concerts mostly associated with the church calendar of events are regularly held here. These include A German Requiem by Brahms, Brandenburg Concertos by Bach, Sacred Symphonies by Schutz and Gabrieli, Advent Vespers, Christmas Oratorio, New Year's Eve Organ concert, Easter concert and more. For the benefit of Neustadt residents, some of the Boys' Choir performances are repeated inside the Dreikonigskirche located along the north edge of Hauptstrasse in Neustadt.
The huge crypt under the newly reconstructed Frauenkirche on Neumarkt is also a frequent venue for classical music concerts mostly set apart for string instruments. Souvenir de Florence by Tschaikowski and Goldberg Variations by Bach are two picks of the best string music played here.
Apart from these indoor venues where Dresden's top musicians and singers compete for popularity and esteem, the city's musical scene goes far beyond operas, operettas and choral singing. Every summer, the city becomes one big stage where open-air concerts and music festivals of all sorts are held regularly. One such venue is on Theaterplatz, the huge square in front of the Semper Opera House. Another place whose popularity has recently increased hundredfold is the open-air theatre inside the Zwinger courtyard. Operated by the Landesbuhnen Sachsen theatre company, it provides daily entertainment in June, July and August to satisfy the musical tastes of everyone. Dancing serenades, Baroque concerts, symphony music, light-hearted summer concerts, contemporary music and more are presented here on a temporary floodlit stage. The Zwinger foreshadowing its clearcut image on the stage enhances the atmosphere.
All this is a clear proof that Dresden knows no shortages neither with regards to theatres or open-air summer venues nor with regards to proficient music ensembles. Young musicians are constantly given every encouragement to perform and improve their talent. One thing is certain: whatever the type of music, if it is performed in Dresden, it's definitely of an outstanding standard.