The History of court music in Dresden can be followed back at least as far as the 15th century. The court choir founded in 1548 started up a tradition continued today by the Saxon State Orchestra and the Saxon State Opera Company. Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672) already raised Dresden's court music to European significance during the Baroque period. He is considered the "father of German music", wrote the first German oratorios, as well as numerous religious concerts, Passions and motets. These works are still today integral parts of the repertoires of many choirs, for example the oldest and most famous boys choir in the world, the Dresden Kreuzchor choir.
From 1734 to 1763 Italian opera enjoyed a unique heyday under Johann Adolf Hasse, who created around 100 musical works here. In the 19th century Carl Maria von Weber raised Dresden to a centre of Romantic music, Richard Wagner composed his "Tannhäuser" and "Lohengrin", and Robert Schumann experienced his most creative period in Dresden. Around the turn of the century the Dresden opera house contributed once more to musical History, for example with the premieres of nine operas by Richard Strauss. Dresden is the home of important orchestras, such as the Saxon State Orchestra and the Dresden Philharmonic. Those lucky enough to obtain one of the coveted tickets can delight in a unique blend of tradition and contemporary music Culture in the Dresden Semper Opera House, one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
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