Das Firmament des Martin Garbert – DOM St.Blasien
Martin Gerbert, a Benedictine monk and the pre-eminent abbot of St Blasien Abbey, transformed the aftermath of a devastating fire into a remarkable architectural achievement: Europe’s third-largest domed structure. This edifice continues to define the town and valley’s identity. A widely travelled scholar, Gerbert attained international distinction as a historian and musicologist, publishing numerous works, conducting research and corresponding with prominent intellectuals of his era.
His contributions as a social reformer demonstrated considerable foresight. He established one of the first savings banks in Bonndorf for residents of the southern Black Forest to facilitate wealth accumulation; created a fund for widows and orphans; founded the enterprise now known as the Rothaus State Brewery; and mandated schooling and personal hygiene for young people. His diplomatic and administrative duties required exceptional competence; nevertheless, he retained a profound interest in art and music, composing sacred works that remain in performance today despite his extensive responsibilities and demanding travels.
To mark the tercentenary of Prince-Abbot Martin Gerbert, the town of St Blasien is commemorating this distinguished figure through a dialogue between the historical personality and a contemporary artist. Employing an associative methodology and visual language, the artist has engaged with Gerbert’s era and life to produce a modern audiovisual installation of imagery and sound that will occupy the cathedral’s rotunda and dome.
This experimental performance will be staged at St Blasien Cathedral during the final week of September and the opening days of October. Attendees are invited to engage with the work through personal associations and interpretations, allowing the imagery and soundscape to inspire them. Visitors are encouraged to move freely throughout the space, varying their vantage points to explore additional dimensions of the artist’s vision.
The musical program comprises original compositions by Martin Gerbert, augmented by Gregorian chant, bell tones associated with key phases of Gerbert’s life, and natural sounds. A notable element is the live musical interventions by Michael Neymeyer, who develops motifs in a contemporary idiom using bespoke computer-generated material. This collaboration between two highly attuned practitioners — one a musician, the other immersed in visual expression — constitutes a remarkably successful creative partnership.
To view the complete installation
