"Narcissus and the Tulip," Lecture & Choral Singing

In the Baroque period, tulips were considered a luxury item. In the mid-17th century, they made their way into the Elector's pleasure garden in Berlin. The tulip is also mentioned in Paul Gerhardt's song "Geh aus, mein Herz, und suche Freud" (Go out, my heart, and seek joy). It states: "Narcissus and the tulip dress themselves much more beautifully than Solomon's silk." But does the poet really only praise the beauty of nature? Or is he holding a mirror up to the pomp-loving Elector Friedrich Wilhelm I by alluding to King Solomon? Susanne Weichenhan (retired pastor, board member of the Paul Gerhardt Society e.V.) discusses these and other questions. The lecture will be framed by selected musical settings of this and other songs by Paul Gerhardt. Participants: Susanne Weichenhan (board member of the Paul Gerhardt Society e.V.), Luckauer Kammerchor Cantemus, conducted by Hardy Schulze. An event in the Paul Gerhardt Memorial Year 2026. For more information: Annual Program 2026 Luckauer Kammerchor Cantemus.