In Asbeck, a district of the small municipality of Legden, the then Münster bishop Werner von Steußlingen had an imposing double monastery built between 1132 and 1151. Originally planned for nuns and brothers of the Premonstratensian Order, it was firmly in women's hands after a few years.
As early as 1173, the double monastery became a purely nunnery before it was converted into a ladies' convent in the 16th century. The most famous lady of Asbeck was Therese von Zandt, who belonged to the convent from 1783 until its dissolution. She came to prominence as the supposed mistress of Beethoven. Her two sons also became composers. A separate cabinet is dedicated to her, which is now located in the Hun Gate of the former Abbey grounds. You can find out more about it in the video below. All in all, the monastery existed until 1805 and then became the property of the Prince of Salm Horstmar.
The Romanesque dormitory is also worth seeing: built around 1200, it is one of the few examples of Romanesque secular architecture in north-west Germany and houses, among other things, the Asbeck Abbey Museum.
Another highlight of the Asbeck programme is the annual "Schnadgang": Noble damsels and brave knights set out together with the Asbeck footmen to control the borders. What had a serious background in the days of the noble ladies' convent and the knightly house of Asbeck - border disputes including fisticuffs and shootings - now serves as a social event.
In the summer of 2020, a video about the eventful life of Therese von Zandt at Asbeck Abbey was produced as part of the "Filmmakers to Lend" project. More about the exceptionally emancipated German pianist, singer and mother can be discovered in the Theresen cabinet of the Heimatverein Asbeck.
Film: Simon Büchting/Münsterland e.V. | Performer: Daniela Daldrup
Today, the time of the noble abbey ladies has long been a thing of the past. But what remains is the great wealth of valuable church treasures that bring the history of the monastery to life. Impressive goldsmith's art next to jewels from the tradition-rich history of pilgrimage: a visit to the former abbey should not be complete without a tour of the museum in the former dormitory.
What is a free-world convent? How did the abbey ladies live in the past? And what do three months of travelling a year and a supposed mistress of Beethoven have to do with the idyllic Asbeck Abbey? Join Bernhard Laukötter and Rebecca Brüggemann, both from the Heimatverein Asbeck, on an acoustic tour through the lively monastery village and listen to exciting stories that have remained alive here to this day.
Distinctive singing on the violin
A strong, deep voice, a traditional violin and a magical lyre bowed. Päivi Hirvonen's second solo album "Kallio" presents her as a creative musician and composer. On stage at the Münsterland Festival in the Dormitorium at Asbeck Abbey, Päivi Hirvonen will be accompanied by Tero Pajunen and Mirva Ormin - a sensational trio of three singing violinists.
The Finnish folk music artist Päivi Hirvonen is a pioneer of simultaneous violin playing and singing. The music is rooted in Finland's Eastern and Western traditions and inspired by film and pop music. Hirvonen's use of Finno-Ugric vocal techniques gives the songs their distinctive tone, while the hypnotic and archaic sound of the bowed lyre and the special violin lays the foundation.
Instrumentation
PäiviHirvonen vocals, violin, jouhikko | Tero Pajunen vocals, violin | Mirva Ormin vocals, violin
Genre
Traditional/Modern
A guided tour of the Abbey grounds can be booked for an additional fee. Start: 15.00 hrs.
The concert is part of the Münsterland Festival part 12.
ERMÄSSIGUNGEN GELTEN JE NACH VERANSTALTUNG FÜR: Kinder, Schülerinnen und Schüler, Studierende, Jugendliche in der Ausbildung, Freiwilligendienstleistende, Menschen mit Behinderung, Arbeitssuchende und Sozialhilfeempfänger.
In a cosy atmosphere, without crowds, simply let your mind wander and look forward to the festivities in a relaxed way.
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