This the exterior of the Thomaskirche (St. Thomas' Church) in Leipzig. It was consecrated in 1496 and with the exception of the addition of the bell tower in 1702, the architecture of this church hasn't changed since the late 15^th century. As a result of the wealth of Leipzig due to commercial trade (exemplified by the Commerce Bank), the church was continually adapted according to the style of the day. From 1884-89 the Thomaskirche underwent its most extensive renovation: the entire church was stripped of its baroque style (which dated from Bach's tenure there from 1723-1750) and was converted to the neo-Gothic style it possesses today. So the interior of the church (which I got extensive video footage of) no longer looks like it would have in Bach's time.

After German reunification in 1990, the Thomaskirche was able to undergo a much needed restoration after 100 years of neglect. The project was completed on July 28, 2000 for the 250^th anniversary of Bach's death. Included in the renovation was the installation of the new Bach Organ. It is constructed to play the organ works of Bach the way he intended. The sound of this instrument, with its 61 registers and 4 manuals with pedal is oriented to the Middle-German organ style of the 18^th century. Its casing was made to resemble of that of the organ of the University church of St. Paul, in which Bach often performed.

Thomas Kirche