Turtles Enjoying Their Seasonal Break

In the realm of German culture, discussions and debates are never in short supply. This week, two prominent figures, Axel Brügemann and Hannah Schmidt, have taken centre stage, delving into various aspects of music, journalism, and funding.

Axel Brügemann, a well-known figure in the cultural sphere, has raised questions about the consumption of subsidized culture and the potential issue of state dependence. His concerns were voiced during a podcast discussion that also touched upon opera productions and their fidelity to music. Brügemann advocated for discussions about such content, but emphasized the importance of preserving originals and contextualizing them.

Meanwhile, Hannah Schmidt, a renowned music journalist, found herself in the spotlight for a rather unexpected reason. She had a haircut that resembled Johanna Malwitz's hairstyle, but with a vibrant green twist. Schmidt also took the opportunity to reflect on her own role in music journalism and the importance of state funding, which she argued offers artistic freedom, fair pay, and security.

Schmidt wasn't the only one to gain viral fame this week. Organist Anna Lapwood, known for her virtuosity and adaptations of film music, saw her TikTok videos capture the attention of thousands. Her free organ concert in Cologne Cathedral was attended by an impressive 13,000 people, with the line for the concert stretching a mile and a half long.

The podcast "Takt&taktlos" also delved into self-criticism in music journalism, with Brügemann suggesting that all music journalists eventually adopt a conservative approach, resembling turtles.

In other news, the performances of the Bayreuth "Meistersinger" and Salzburg's "Giulio Cesare" were analysed in the podcast. Meanwhile, the Unichor Köln found a creative solution to the problematic texts in Brahms' "Liebeslieder Walzer" through intensive discussions. Schmidt described the performance, noting the sexist and misogynistic texts by Georg Friedrich Daumer.

Lastly, Schmidt congratulated Patrick Becker on winning the Reinhard Schulz Prize for his interview series in Positionen. Brügemann also mentioned a meeting with Christian Thielemann, though the identity of the person he met in the fourth episode of "Takt&taktlos" remains undisclosed, as does the location of their meeting.

In the world of German culture, it seems that every day brings a new discussion, debate, or viral sensation. As these figures continue to shape the landscape, we can only wait with anticipation to see what the future holds.