Prof. Dr. Peter Wagner Plaque

Born in this very house, a plaque commemorates Prof. Dr. Peter Wagner. Prof. Dr. Peter Wagner was a renowned musicologist and scholar of Gregorian chant. The Prof. Dr. Peter Wagner Plaque, a steel memorial, stands as a testament to his contributions. The inscription reads, “In diesem Hauss wurde (1865) Prof. Dr. Peter Wagner geboren, der große Musikgelehrte u. Erforscher des Gregorianischen Chorals.” This translates to, “In this house (1865) Prof. Dr. Peter Wagner was born, the great musicologist and researcher of Gregorian chant.” Wagner, born in Trier in 1865, played a key role in the “Trier Choral Controversy.” This involved a scholarly debate about restoring the authentic Gregorian chant. He and his colleagues, including Peter Bohn, argued for a new edition of the choral books based on historical sources. Their efforts eventually led to the replacement of the inaccurate “Editio Medicaea” with the “Editio Vaticana.” This new edition, approved by Pope Pius X, reflected the authentic Gregorian chant as used in the Middle Ages. So, standing before the Prof. Dr. Peter Wagner Plaque, we remember his contribution to music history. His work ensured that the true beauty and historical accuracy of Gregorian chant were preserved for future generations.