My second time ... Organ music in the morning

In December 2024, it is almost still dark at 7.30 in the morning when I cycle onto Münsterplatz. There is also a Christmas market, but naturally - or fortunately - all the market stalls are still in a deep mulled wine slumber.

As I try to enter the Fraumünster through the side entrance, as I did a year ago, it is firmly locked. So I look for another entrance, because I know that there's an organ concert this morning! I'm amazed when I realise that the main entrance is open for the concert today. It soon becomes clear why: the church is much fuller than it was a year ago when I attended the concert series for the first time. I briefly imagine that this is due to my superb reporting back then. More likely, however, it has to do with the time of year. Isn't it the case that many people prefer to take a break and seek peace and quiet just as the Christmas rush begins?

Silence and security await inside the Fraumünster. The little light comes from the first Advent candle burning at the front of the altar and from a few points of light somewhere in the room. Everyone is quiet, no one is looking for eye contact, no one is speaking. A "hallelujah" for that. And then we all sit down, each for ourselves, close our eyes or daydream and listen to the wonderful organ playing of Cantor Jörg Ulrich Busch for 15 minutes. Wonderful. Thank you.

On arrival at the office desk, I write to my editorial colleague that she should definitely do the same: "You just somehow come out of this church happier!"