| Geneva and music |
History |
History |
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One
of the first memorable events of Geneva’s musical was the introduction
of hymns and metrical versions of the Psalms by the architects of the
Reformation. All Anglo-Saxon Protestants know the famous Old Hundredth
from the Marot and Beza Psalter, published in Geneva in 1532 and set
to music by Bourgeois and Goudimel. The Swiss city influenced British
culture in a lasting way, since the national anthem God Save the Queen
is modelled on a popular song celebrating the victory over the Escalade
and with it Geneva’s independence Grand Théâtre
:
The decision to build a new theatre on Place Neuve was taken in 1860.
The architect Jacques-Elisée Goss then put forward plans inspired
by the newly opened Palais Garnier in Paris. Construction was completed
in 1876 and the venue opened in 1879 with Rossini’s Guillaume
Tell [William Tell]. In 1951 a terrible fire devastated the theatre’s
stage and the theatre did not reopen until 1962. The new theatre, with
seating for 1500, is now covered by a starry ceiling that extends from
its fire curtain, both of which were designed by artist Jacek Stryienski.
The size of the orchestra pit, the expanse of its open spaces and the
sophistication of its machinery enable this theatre to host performances
of all kinds and works from all periods.
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Geneva
developed and established itself internationally, between French, German
and Swiss territory.
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In the course of the 19th century and early 20th century, Geneva welcomed many political refugees, the most famous of them Lenin, who lived there from 1903 to 1905 and again in 1908. The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded in 1864, at the initiative of Geneva resident Henry Dunant. This institution is just the first in a long list of major organisations that the town has accommodated. The international mission of Geneva became established after the First World War, when it was chosen as the headquarters for the League of Nations which later became the United Nations Organisation.
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Geneva
: between
Calvin and Liszt
Some
Highlights / Food & Drink / Things to Do / Web Sites
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Museum of Art and History: Built between 1903 and 1910, the museum boasts a collection that reflects the whole of Western culture from the origins of the world to the present day, divided into three major sectors: Archaeology, Fine Art and Applied Art. International Museum of the Red Cross: Geneva is the birthplace of the Red Cross. This is the only museum in the world entirely devoted to the work of Henry Dunant, founder of this institution. Opened in 1988, it describes the extraordinary venture of men and women on their mission in the service of humanity for over 140 years. Rath Museum: This is one of the first Swiss museums devoted to Fine Art. Opened in 1826, this building, donated to the people of Geneva by Jeanne-Françoise and Henriette Rath, was designed by the architect Samuel Vaucher. The museum hosts interesting temporary exhibitions. Museum of Natural History: This is the biggest museum of natural history in Switzerland. The museum has an 8,000 m² exhibition gallery and receives over 200,000 visitors every year. MAMCO: Opened in September 1994 in a former factory, the Mamco exhibits a wide choice of works from the early 1960s to the present day. Its installations, videos, paintings, photographs and sculptures come from public and private collections, donations, artists’ trusts and acquisitions. Ariana Museum: The museum houses the City of Geneva’s prestigious collections of ceramics and glass. With over 20,000 objects, the collections illustrate seven centuries of creativity. The principal techniques are represented here. Martin Bodmer Foundation: One of the most important private libraries in the world, it reflects the adventure of the human spirit from the origins of writing onwards. With a collection of 160,000 items in approximately 80 languages, it has several hundred Western and Eastern manuscripts, among them one of the rare copies of the Gutenberg Bible. In February 1971, just before his death, Martin Bodmer decided to convert his library into a Foundation under private law, a recognised charitable institution. International
Museum of the Reformation: The International Museum of the
Reformation presents the Reformation instigated by Jean Calvin. Amidst
objects, manuscripts, paintings, engravings and the latest audiovisual
technology, it recounts the saga of this movement that began in Geneva
in the 16th century and went on to become one of the great families
of Christianity.
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Hôtel
d’Angleterre Dating from 1872,
wonderfully located on the shore of Lake Geneva, the Hotel d'Angleterre
is a magnificent blend of the great tradition of regal Swiss hospitality
with the utmost in contemporary five star comfort; service, dining,
technology and convenience.
In the heart of Geneva, the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues has been a landmark on the Rhône since 1834. It offers 103 residential-style guest rooms and suites with a variety of lake, courtyard and city views.
Located on the right bank of the River Rhône, Mandarin Oriental is at the heart of the banking, cultural and shopping districts. Recently refurbished, this historic art deco masterpiece offers rooms and suites are spacious and elegant. Hôtel
Royal **** The contrasting
combination of heritage and innovation distinguish this traditional
hotel. Inspired from the neoclassical architectural style the new look
of the hotel Royal offers an extraordinary blend of noble wood, precious
marble and plush fabrics that create a cocoon of homely warmth, voluptuous
comfort and accessible luxury. |
Domaine de Châteauvieux Auberge
de Confignon Auberge
de Floris
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| Web Sites |
| Official
City of Genève sites |