• Flöte: participating institution, vv

Advance news of this event was published by Prager Morgenpost 4/10/1863, an unsigned report noting: ‘The Jubilee of the Battle of Leipzig will also be celebrated here [in Prague]. The valiant singing society „Flöte“ has been moved with sentiment to take the initiative to manage this truly German festival. In the Hall of the Žofín Island will take place an Akademie; the other [local] German Societies will be invited to take part.’ Confirmation of this event appeared in Prager Morgenpost 9/10/1863 which reported: ‘For the Jubilee of the Battle of Leipzig several representatives from Prague will be involved, even if the Commune rejects [the presence off] an official embassy. Several veterans who took part in the extraordinary Battle of the Nations intend to travel to Leipzig, amonstg them the previous owner of the Café Lederer, Mr Lederer, and others. In Prague the anniversary will be marked by the military through a parade on Invalidenplatz. It is already known that to celebrate the occasion an Akademie is being arranged on the Žofín Island by the German singing societies.’

Prager Morgenpost 14/10/1863 reported: ‘The Singing Society „Flöte“ celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig with an Akademie, which will take place on the evening of 17th October in the Hall of Žofín Island.’

An account of this event, signed ‘n.’, was published by Prager Morgenpost 18/10/1863. The correspondent related: ‘Festival evening of „Flöte“. The valiant German singing society „Flöte“ opened the celebrations for the commemoration of the anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig with the arrangement of an Academy yesterday evening in the large hall of the Žofín Island. The hall was decorated with the black, red, gold of the national colours and with other flags. The attendance was very numerous, we noted the Mayor Professor Herbst, the Estates Commisioner [Landesausschuß] Dr Schmeykal, Professor Schrott, Dr Tedesko and several other representatives of the German Turnverein, members of the Deutsch Casino, the German singing societies of Prague, of the German-historical societies [des deutsch-historischen Vereines] and a numerous garland of ladies. The atmosphere was celebratory, the performance of the pieces, particularly those of patriotic content, inspired a storm of applause. The festival continued until past midnight. More details follow tomorrow.’

A more substantial and descriptive review, signed ‘n’, then appeared in Prager Morgenpost 19/10/1863: ‘Festival evening of „Flöte“. Of the fine festival of this singing society, which yesterday we were able to only recount briefly, we are able to describe here in more detail. The Hall made a festive impression, the decorated stage had been transformed into a living garden and adorned with the busts of Their Majesties [the Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elizabeth]. The programme of precisely performed ensemble- and solo-songs and instrumental works was put together with taste and heartiness, the crown of which was the Festival Poem [Festgedicht] by Bunge from Cöthen, performed by members of Flöte and accompanied by the band of Komzák. The Festival Poem was introduced with a Prologue that was spoken by the President of the „Flöte“ Mr Meister with verve and fire, the choir followed with a performance of the vocal works „Wir bleiben treu“ firstly, [then] the Lieder: „An die deutsche Tricolore“, „Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott“, Normann’s „Sang“, „Schwertlied“ by Körner, „Danklied“ by Gabler followed, and then to close Arndt’s: „Was ist des Deutschen Vaterland?“. Between the individual choruses Mr Meister spoke several speeches which conveyed the content of the individual speeches, that were all greeted with stormy applause. The choruses were directed by Mr Neumann. That for the Anniversary of the Battle at Leipzig arranged festival formed also an appropriate thanksgiving festival for the poet of „Leyer und Schwerdt“ on the struggle for German freedom , on Theodor Körner, the tableau-picture of his Mausoleum being unveiled during the performance of his Schwertlied. In the printed programme, the gift for the guests of the festival-arranging „Flöte“, was also a beautifully executed picture at „Körner’s Grab“. Heading the names of the guests we note amongst others the President of the City Merchant Guilds [Handelskammer] Richard Dotzauer, Alderman Dr Wiener, Estates Councillor for Justice [Landesgerichtsrath] Saag, member of the Merchant Guilds, Dr Kreuzberg and many of its officials.’ No further details were given by this source. Interestingly, although the review listed the vocal items performed, no mention was given of the works played by Komzák’s ensemble.

The choice of programme for this concert obviously reflected the subjective content of the event. Although the composer of „Schwertlied“ was not specified by the Prager Morgenpost source, the work was almost certainly by Weber from his choral settings Leyer und Schwerdt. Körner wrote Schwerdtlied on the eve of his death at the Battle of Leipzig.