Tree planting / Day of Forests

 International Day of Forests was on March 21st

The forest will grow in Germany! The forestry authorities see the best conditions for the forest of tomorrow - every tree planting day is a day for the forest!

Beech, maple, larch, Douglas fir and many other tree species will grow into mixed forests in our forests in the future (GERMAN)

Northern Germany. March 21st was International Forest Day. The forest will grow! The forestry authorities see the best conditions for the forest of tomorrow - every tree planting day is a day for the forest! The forests in Germany took March 21st as an opportunity to officially start the planting season, in which the Lower Saxony state forests alone have already planted over 5.5 million seedlings - since autumn. The "weather conditions and soil conditions could hardly be better at the moment: frost and snow were largely absent and the heavy rainfall has moistened the ground well." Anyone traveling in northern Germany knows the Harz low mountain range, which borders Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, and knows that it is high time for a green new start, because bark beetles, storms and drought had taken a toll on the once lush greenery and entire tree regions were dying let.

Forest path with fresh spring green - Photo: A. Waess

The “Hart”, the medieval name of the Harz, has always been a dense mountain forest

That's what it should be again: The focus of reforestation at the Lower Saxony State Forestry is, among other things, in the Harz National Park. In this beautiful, extensive hilly area around the Brocken alone (at a height of 1,141.2 m above sea level it is the highest mountain in the Harz low mountain range), over 2.2 million seedlings were planted in the mixed forest: beech, maple, larch, Douglas firs and various other tree species. “In just a few weeks, the fresh green shoots will reveal the new forest,” says Dr. Klaus Merker, President of the Lower Saxony State Forests.

Forest path in February - Photo: A. Waess

The planting program increasingly relies on various mixed tree species

Mixed forests are much better prepared for climate change than pure coniferous forests.

“Here, where the forest is apparently still intact, we can plant the next generation in the protection of the crowns of old pine trees and thus initiate change early and in an ecologically careful manner,” emphasizes Dr. Merker the forest conversion program of the Lower Saxony State Forests. Mann relied on innovative processes here: “... planting small seedlings with bare roots was the standard for decades, but now small plants with root balls are also being used... “While people once worked by hand, i.e. with a planting hoe or spade, this is now done Cordless earth drill and planting tube used. “Planting these so-called container plants has many advantages: They are less susceptible to spring drought and are also easier to plant,” says Dr. Marker. Due to their size, some of the seedlings can only be planted with an excavator. By the way, due to their height, they are protected from being eaten by mice or other wild animals.

Light-seeded tree species such as silver fir

Then the excavator or former wood harvesting machines are also used for planting. which prepare the seedbed in just one step. You can also use light-seeded tree species such as silver fir at the same time.

Natural forest floor in spring - Photo: A. Waess

We look forward to long walks through the nearby forests

There are around 10.7 million hectares of forest in Germany, which means an area of ​​29.8 percent of the total area is covered by around 90 billion trees.
So at the weekend we'll go into the forest again, because the Bavarian Forest, Black Forest, Palatinate Forest and the Harz low mountain range, the Hainich National Park, the Teutoburg Forest, the Thuringian Forest as well as the Darß Forest and many other forests are waiting for their visitors.

 

Isar with Alps in spring - Photo: A. Waess

The “International Day of Forests”

... by the way, was launched in 1971. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) thus set the international framework for an international “Day of the Forest”.

Wildflowers on the forest floor in spring - Photo: A. Waess

The forest will grow!

The forestry authorities see the best conditions for the forest of tomorrow 

- every tree planting day is a day for the forest!

Forest path with fresh spring green - Photo: A. Waess

Munich: Michael Jackson monument

 MUNICH - Orlando di Lasso – Michael Jackson

 Monument to the KING OF POP: Michael Jackson's memory in Munich - Michael Jackson and Orlando di Lasso revolutionized music history

Michael Jackson's souvenir in Munich. The KING OF POP wasn't in Munich often, but when he stopped by for a concert, he stayed at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof on Promenadeplatz - the first hotel on site 

Munich. The heroes of music history and the double monument on Promenadeplatz in Munich: Also Music needs its heroes, because the art of sound needs geniuses. While the bronze monument Di Lasso was erected specifically to honor a great musician in history who was important for Munich, Michael Jackson is only venerated at the base of this monument by his fans. A memorial site for an unforgettable musician in contemporary history - Text and photos: Helga Waess

Orlando di Lasso in bronze over the granite base with devotional items for Michael Jackson, Munich in front of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, photo: Helga Waess

All music was contemporary in its time

But: All music was contemporary in its time. This double monument in front of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich does justice to both:

the KING OF CLASSICAL MUSIC of the 16th century Orlando di Lasso
and the KING OF POP of the 20th/21st. Century Michael Jackson.

Since 2009, the base of the Orlando di Lasso monument in front of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof has been used as a so-called double monument in memory of Michael Jackson. The music titan of pop history died in 2009 at the age of 50. The monument on Promenadeplatz in Munich has since become a place of pilgrimage for Michael Jackson fans worldwide.

Double monument to two heroes of music history of their time

The monument to Orlando di Lasso originally stood on Odeonsplatz. The bronze statue was created by Ferdinand von Miller. Because the Ludwig I equestrian monument was erected, the Di Lasso monument had to be implemented. It has stood on Promenadeplatz since 1860. Destroyed during the war, this bronze reconstruction was re-erected in 1958. The bronze base is made of granite.

Since 2009, the granite base of the monument in front of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof has become a place of pilgrimage for Jackson fans. This is where you bring flowers, write letters, bring photos and newspaper clippings. Jackson's monument, which is exposed to wind and weather, is maintained privately - by his loyal fans.

Base of the Michael Jackson memorial in Munich in front of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich - Germany, photo: Helga Waess

Michael Jackson at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich

We also remember a visit by Michel Jackson to the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. At that time, bunches of fans stood in front of the hotel on the green of the promenade square and played his songs loudly. Press photographers were there.

And then the moment: An almost hysterical shriek went through the crowd when suddenly a curtain on the second floor of the hotel moved slightly to the side. The window remained closed – unlike in the Adlon in Berlin. For a moment you could see a face covered with a black cloth. A hat. And a waving hand. "Michael! Michael!” screamed the crowd and some cried with joy that they were able to be so close to this gifted musician in pop history. They waved back and sang even louder.

Moving moments that those pilgrims at the base of the monument to Michael Jackson will certainly remember again and again.

Pedestal at the Di Orlando memorial with Michael Jackson memorabilia, Photo:Helga Waess

No city tour without the Michael Jackson monument

If the Michael Jackson memorial were closed, Munich would be one less attraction. The Michael Jackson Memorial is a living place of pilgrimage. This is tolerated by the Ministry of Culture and the City of Munich as long as the base with Jackson pictures, flowers, texts and candles is maintained in wind and weather.

Now it's that time again and the dispute over the Michael Jackson Memorial seems to be escalating once again. Two camps are fighting over their idol:

the Michael Jackson association MJ's Legacy with its chairwoman Nena Akhtar (Jackson Facebook page)

and Michael Jackson fans who are not organized.

The latter also want to bring gifts and cannot find space for them, as the monument care is the responsibility of MJ's Lagacy. She believes that there is enough free space on the shady side of the monument.

Now the Ministry of Culture is getting involved because the echo of the dispute has reached these ranks. If there is no peace between the parties, then the monument - which is merely tolerated at this point - should be removed.

Michael Jackson Memorial Pedestal from Hotel Bayerischer Hof seen from, photo: Helga Waess

Orlando di Lasso a 16th century Michael Jackson

Instinctively, Michael Jackson fans seem to have chosen the Orlando di Lasso monument for their idol. It was on site. Where their hero of music history resided.

Orlando di Lasso bronze sculpture by Ferdinand von Miller the Elder J., Monument on the Promenadeplatz in Munich, Photo: Helga Waess 

But Orlando di Lasso was a 16th century Michael Jackson:

 He was as famous in Europe in his time as the King of Pop was worldwide in the 20th century.

Inscription on the Orlando di Lasso monument base, framed by photographs of Michael Jackson, the fans glued to the granite. photo: Helga Waess

It says in capital letters on the base:

"ERRICHTET 

VON LUDWIG I

KOENIG VON BAYERN

MDCCCIL"

"BUILT

BY LUDWIG I

KING OF BAVARIA

MDCCCIL"

Ludwig I, King of Bavaria, had the monument built in 1849 for the “tone poet” Roland de Lattre, known as Orlando di Lasso.

Inscription for Orlando di Lasso on the granite base of his monument. Photographs of Michael Jackson were stuck here by the pop king's fans. Photo: Helga Waess

On the opposite side of the base there is the inscription for the King of Music of the 16th century:

"ROLAND DE LATTRE

GENANNT

ORLANDO DI LASSO

TONDICHTER"

"ROLAND DE LATTRE

CALLED

ORLANDO DI LASSO

SOUND POET"

Orlando di Lasso, also Orlande or Roland de Lanus, who was ennobled by the imperial letter of arms in 1570, was a composer. He was born in Mons, Hainaut, in 1530 or 1532 (here the sources are contradictory) and died in Munich in June 1594.

With this monument to Orlando di Lasso, King Ludwig I of Bavaria honored a gifted musical genius. A free spirit of music who always broke new ground and mastered all forms of musical practice. Sure, he composed masses and daily table music, German songs, French chansons, motets and madrigals. BUT: Another testament to his unusual musical genius is the fact that he was included in collected works on music history during his lifetime.

 

The genius of music history: Orlando di Lasso

His listeners were “out of their minds” because of his passionate music. He ignored all guidelines of composition and rewrote the classical canon. He didn't care much about doctrine and introduced surprising moments of great impact. Sound or text effects created a sound that was “unclassical” for the hearing ability of the time.

Regardless of whether it was secular or sacred music, he created his works. For him, the reason for a composition is simply a reason to bring in his individual creative power.

He traveled to England, France and Antwerp. The first printed works of his compositions, which are kept in Venice, Antwerp and Rome, date from this time.

The year 1557 is crucial for Munich, because it was in this year that he was first recorded as a chapel tenor at the court of Albrecht V. In 1562/3 we became the bandmaster of the court orchestra. He travels a lot; is present at Maximilian's coronation in 1562 or travels to the emperor in Vienna in 1573 and so on.

An official of music!

Orlando di Lasso was showered with honors during his lifetime

• In 1570 he was raised to the hereditary nobility

• 1574 by Pope Gregory XIII. was the first musician ever to be named “Knight of the Golden Spur”.

• The Pope and Emperor presented him with gold

• King Charles IX of France gave him a high honorary pension and wanted to bring him to his court

• The Elector of Saxony was also interested in him as court music director for Dresden

• He received first prize for the best motet compositions at the composers' competition in 1575 and 1583

• Di Lasso stayed in Munich: in Bavaria he received a lifelong salary, virtually a music official

• From the beginning he is treated like a simple court councilor, even though he was only a musician

• the widow was provided with a pension

• the sons received a job guarantee

• For Orlando di Lasso's biography see: Leuchtmann, Horst, "Lasso, Orlando di" in: Neue Deutsche Biographie 13 (1982), pp. 676-678

Michael Jackson and Orlando di Lasso revolutionized music history

Two super talents in music are honored in one place. Although the choice for the "King of Pop" was determined by the location. 

The monument as a double monument was a good choice.

 Let's see: how much longer...

Di Lasso Jackson monument on Promenadeplatz in front of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Photo: Helga Waess

see also our article on the topic of this monument (from 2015) : "Monument without peace - commemoration without silence"

English Version: In loving Memory of Elliott Erwitt

English Version: Photographic art by Elliott Erwitt

Elliott Erwitt. His life was photography. He showed us his view of the world

In loving memory of Elliott Erwitt (1928 in Paris - November 29, 2023 in New York)

Munich. We were lucky enough to meet Elliott Erwitt in person in Munich at the "Stephen Hoffman – Fine Art Photography" gallery at the back of the Bayerischer Hof Hotel. He has repeatedly exhibited his original photographs and vintages here over the years since 2003. We last saw the Elliott Erwitt “Classic Images” exhibition here in 2016. Elliott Erwitt previously exhibited here on the occasion of his 80th birthday in 2008, where he also 2003 and 2005, his anniversary exhibition. Elliott Erwitt had humor and talked about interviews and exhibitions around the world that took place throughout the year. I can still see the smiling photographer who said, “I've been congratulated on my birthday so many times this year that if you count every congratulation, I would have to be at least 150 years old.” When Elliott Erwitt talked about his photography adventures, people forgot his age. He was the eye behind the camera with which he looked at the world in his own unique way. The moment seemed important to him!

#Photobooks by Elliott Erwitt, New York, Rome, Dogs, photo: Helga Waess

Elliott Erwitt grew up in Paris and Milan

His parents were Russian emigrants who left Europe with the boy in 1939 and went to New York. They later live in Los Angeles. Here Elliott began studying photography, which he completed in 1948 at Los Angeles City College. In his final year of college, Elliott works part-time as a photo lab technician. He goes back to New York and begins studying film at the New School of Social Research, which he successfully completes, before moving to Paris to work as a cameraman. During his travels through France and Italy, many photos were taken and his professional career as a photographer took off.

Elliott Erwitt was president of the legendary photo agency "magnum photos" from 1958

In 1951, Elliott Erwitt began his military service in the US Army and was stationed in New Jersey. As a military photographer, he travels in France and Germany and his off-duty photographs end up in publications such as LIFE, Look, Holiday and many others. In 1953, after two years of military service, Erwitt received an invitation to the renowned magnum photos agency from Robert Capa, whom he first met in New York in 1949/50. He has been a permanent member of the agency since 1958. After 10 years, Elliott Erwitt becomes president of the legendary photo agency "magnum photos". Elliott Erwitt will remain a permanent and active member of the agency throughout his life.

“Elliott Erwitt. Classic Images” - signed original photographs

Under the title “Elliott Erwitt. Classic Images” by Stephen Hoffman presented famous classics from the influential magnum photographer in 2016. Erwitt personally came to Munich from the States to present his photos, all of which are firmly anchored in contemporary visual memory and have shaped our image of certain places. It was an experience to follow his explanations.

Elliott Erwitt - Aussstellung Classic Images in der Galerie Stephen Hoffman in München, 2016, Pressefoto: Helga Waess (Pressearchiv) (courtesy: Galerie Stephen Hoffman)

 

Elliott Erwitt labeled the photo “Umbreller jump, Paris, France, 1989” (in the photo on the right)

The recordings that repeatedly focus on love are also impressive. Among them we would like to highlight a single declaration of love to Paris:

A photo that was taken in 1989 to mark the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Eiffel Tower. It is probably one of the most famous Paris icons of photographic art. The “Umbreller jump, Paris, France, 1989”. We see the plateau in front of the Field of Mars of the World Exhibition, in the background the Eiffel Tower, in front of it a couple of lovers in the rain, who are completely engrossed in looking at each other and completely block out the weather, which is wonderfully illustrated by the umbrella folding up above them and exposed to the wind. There is love in the air! And before that, the jump: a man who seems to be flying in a long jump with his umbrella open. Exuberant joie de vivre in the French metropolis – what an impressive shot. Artistically composed with a gaze that you like to follow.

Elliott Erwitts Aufnahmen erzählen Geschichten, die der Betrachter - auch heute noch - immer wieder lesen möchte. Zeitlose Fotografie. Hochglanzmagazine und Werbefirmen kamen auf den magnum-Fotografen mit gezielten Aufträgen auf ihn zu.

#Photobooks by Elliott Erwitt, Personal Best, Snaps, Personal Exposures, photo: Helga Waess

The American photographer Elliott Erwitt has published numerous books and illustrated volumes.

 His work can be found in major photography museums and collections worldwide such as

•     Museum of Modern Art in New York,
•     the Chicago Art Institute,
•     at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.,
•     at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris
•     or Kunsthaus in Zurich
•     etc.

Stephen Hoffman showed famous works such as among the Classic Images that the gallerist had selected together with Elliott Erwitt for Munich

•     “California Kiss, Santa Monica, California, 1955,”
•     “The Mistfits, Reno Nevada, 1960”
•     or “The Lady and the city, NYC, 1955”
•     etc.

The color photographs of Elliott Erwitt

The influential and famous Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt presented his black and white photos, some of which he initially photographed as private works, in gallery and museum exhibitions around the world. Most of his commissioned works were shot in color. The Magnum Photographer was in great demand among advertising agencies and glossy magazines. His illustrated book “Kolor” came out in 2013 and showed color works for the first time (teNeues).

There are narrative photographs that report on statesmen, artists, revolutionary leaders such as Fidel Castro and also showgirls.

Photographer Elliott Erwitt's books, journalistic essays and illustrations have been published worldwide for over 40 years.

#Photobooks by Elliott Erwitt, New York, Rome, Dogs, photo: Helga Waess

Elliott Erwitt and the film

Elliott Erwitt's life's work has also included documentaries since the 1970s, and in the 1980s Elliott Erwitt produced numerous satire and comedy programs for the Home Box Office channel.

In loving memory of Elliott Erwitt
a lovely person
and exceptional photographers

Elliott Erwitt died on November 29, 2023 in New York at the age of 95.

EXHIBITIONS BY ELLIOTT ERWITT AT THE STEPHEN HOFFMAN GALLERY

Since the founding of the Stephen Hoffman Gallery in Munich, i.e. for 20 years, Elliott Erwitt has been part of the portfolio of the gallery for fine art photography at Prannerstrasse 5 - at the back of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Elliott Erwitt has worked directly with Stephen Hoffman and held unique exhibitions together in Munich.

Elliott Erwitt's exhibitions with originals and vintages presented here are among the photo art events for private collectors and curators from public institutions in Germany and internationally.

For collectors of photographs by Elliott Erwitt, the Stephen Hoffman gallery in downtown Munich remains the first address for photo art/photo art.

When Elliott Erwitt came to Munich to present his original classics of photography history with Stephen Hoffman in the gallery at the back of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, we were there! 

Munich newspapers such as the TZ, the Abendzeitung, the Münchner Merkur and the Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on his exhibitions.

Elliott Erwitt, the person behind the camera, lived for photography and left his great image memory for posterity!

There were a few articles in the Munich press about Elliott Erwitt's exhibitions at the Stephen Hoffman Gallery - Fine Art Photography

• Dorina Herbst, 2008 in the evening newspaper Munich "Abendzeitung München": The irony of the moment. The Munich gallery Stephen Hoffman presents photographs by Elliott Erwitt = Die Ironie des Augenblicks. Die Münchner Galerie Stephen Hoffman präsentiert Fotografien von Elliott Erwitt

• Elliot Erwitt - classic photography is still socially acceptable today - wrote editor Achim Manthey in the Munich online magazine "Kultur-Vollzug" in 2011.

In the Stephen Hoffman Gallery you can find signed original photographs by Elliott Erwitt

    Here is the link to the homepage of the Stephen Hoffman Gallery (Homepage der Galerie Stephen Hoffman) at the back of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich