Imagine if these walls could sing. They might hum a tune preserved within the Handschriftenarchiv Dresdner Kreuzchor. This archive safeguards musical treasures of the world-renowned Dresdner Kreuzchor. It is a private project that started in 2013. Its purpose is to preserve the choir’s rich history.
Here at the Handschriftenarchiv Dresdner Kreuzchor, we are surrounded by history. This isn’t just any archive. It’s a collection of handwritten music, scores, prints, and copies. These items trace the story of the Dresdner Kreuzchor. The archive’s mission is to collect, record, digitize, and publish these precious materials.
Think about the journey of these documents. Many date back to the 1960s and 1970s. Some handwritten pieces are over a century old. The Handschriftenarchiv Dresdner Kreuzchor holds about 85 manuscripts. It also has 155 manuscript copies and 16 prints.
The Handschriftenarchiv Dresdner Kreuzchor emerged from the Kreuzchor’s music library. The library held a collection of scores, prints, and manuscript copies. These had been set aside due to their age. Newer editions replaced them, or they had special historical value. For years, this collection remained hidden. It was stored in the library’s attic.
The Handschriftenarchiv Dresdner Kreuzchor began as a volunteer effort. It aimed to systematically record and digitize the manuscript collection. The goal was to share this unique history with the public. The Dresdner Kreuzchor did not support this endeavor initially.
The archive shifted from analog to digital record-keeping. In 2014, it launched its first website. A new website followed in 2016. It featured an online catalog, newsletter, and video clips.
Many older works were lost in the 1945 firestorm that devastated Dresden. Therefore, most archival materials date from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. In 2017, the archive’s design was overhauled. This was called Project 3.0. It aimed to automate processes and make the online experience more user-friendly.
The Handschriftenarchiv Dresdner Kreuzchor’s collection is manageable in size. Its core consists of the mentioned scores. These include printed music, handwritten scores, and autographs. These items were once part of the manuscript collection.
Since March 2019, the Handschriftenarchiv Dresdner Kreuzchor’s holdings have been accessible. They are now on the German Digital Library and Archivportal-D. This allows researchers to view and compare the archive’s materials within larger digital platforms. The collection is also available on the Archives Portal Europe.
The Handschriftenarchiv Dresdner Kreuzchor gives insight into the dedication. The Dresdner Kreuzchor has a long history. It also gives a glimpse of the work that goes into preserving musical heritage.