Syms

The Perpetual Diet, the body representing the imperial estates of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, held its sessions in Regensburg from 1663 to 1806. Since the princes hardly continued to appear in person but instead sent representatives, this assembly became what was in very large measure a congress of envoys. Festive music not only constantly formed part of the ceremonial accompanying the diet but also quite naturally played a role at social functions and in the theater. Beginning in 1748 the court chapel of the Prince of Thurn and Taxis was responsible for the presentation of the musical program. This orchestra with an international membership including musicians from Italy, France, Bohemia, and Germany numbered among the leading ensembles of those times. Baron Theodor von Schacht, who was appointed to the post of court music director in 1773, numbered among the central musical personalities at this musical court. The whole spectrum of court musical practice, which always followed current stylistic developments, is reflected in his oeuvre. Schacht was a great man of action and talent, and his musical language schooled on Haydn has a large share of discovery potential. Following his exploration of Cartellieri's musical world, Gernot Schmalfuss, performing with his Taiwanese orchestra, is just the right man for the job!