Glickhaftig!

n 1536, just in time for the autumn fair (Herbstmesse), a child was born at Petersberg in Basel who was to make a name for himself as a leading doctor. Felix Platter’s contributions to research on anatomy, psychiatric diseases, and even epidemiology during Basel’s outbreak of the plague made him one of the most important historical residents of the city after his death in 1614.

But Felix’s interests were not bound to his discipline as a physician. During his studies in Montpellier, he earned the nickname “l’Alemandt du lut,” or “The German with the Lute.” He also created “verteutschten” translations of popular French chansons and Italian madrigals of the time. These German versions of songs are musical-philological treasures.

The focus of this concert is the musical side of this scholar from Basel, which is once again allowed to blossom with singing, lute, viola da gamba and recorder.