Bach Memorial

The New Bach Monument on the Thomaskirchhof in Leipzig is a neo-Baroque tribute to the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Unveiled in 1908, the bronze statue was designed by the sculptor Carl Seffner and shows the Thomaskantor in a lively pose in front of a stylized organ. He holds a roll of sheet music and appears to be conducting, while his clothing hangs loosely, reflecting his intense way of working. On the back of the organ is a relief of the old Thomasschule, and the base bears the name of the man being honored.

The monument's history is closely tied to the rediscovery of Bach's grave in the Johanniskirche. Casts of his skull served as the model for the statue's face. After a long dispute over the location, with various church and school sites in Leipzig under consideration, the Thomaskirchhof was finally chosen. The project was funded by the city and private donors, including a bequest from a Leipzig merchant. Today the sculpture stands directly in front of a historic stained-glass window in the Thomaskirche, which also commemorates Bach.