Backnang
Little is known of Backnang’s origin. First to be documented in 1067, Backnang gained supraregional importance when it was inherited by the Margraves of Baden in 1070, who founded an Augustinian Canonary and made Backnang their burial place for more than a century. Soon, the holy walls of Collegiate Church (built about 1130 and still the principal church of today’s Protestant congregation) were filled with the Augustinian Canons’ singings in order to praise God and even more to praise and commemorate the margravian family. Unfortunately, no musical or written evidence has survived, so it remains unknown what the anthems sounded like.
About 1300, the Baden reign over Backnang ended, unfortunately, causing the town’s significant decline in importance. Only the Augustinian Canonary continued to exist and experienced a short phase of cultural as well as economic prosperity before it finally was closed in the course of the Reformation. The mighty choir in late Gothic style, added to the Collegiate Church, remains a visible sign of this wealthy period at the beginning of the 16th century as does the organ installed in 1503. Hereby, the Augustinian Canons established Backnang’s sacred music, which to this day enjoys an excellent reputation.
However, music by no means was restricted to the ecclesiastical realm; when noble men and their entourage visited Backnang, it seems most unlikely no singers and musician should have been around to entertain the guests. But, records show that during the 16th century drummers and pipers from Backnang, at regular intervals, were recruited for the Württemberg army, alongside performing on special occasions in town.
No later than Reformation, horn and trumpet playing watchmen were on guard on top of the town tower; thus, founding a tradition still to be heard today. Volunteers are on duty every Sunday before church. But for a long time, music was restricted to the occasions mentioned above because of the Swabian-pietist tradition.
Only the 19th century made things hum in Backnang. Countless pubs offered dance and music, there was even a very popular dance-hall at the town hall. In 1830, a choral society was founded which – now called ‘Liederkranz’ – is still active. The second half of the 19th century witnessed not only an economic boom but the formation of various music clubs such as a ladies’ music club, choral societies called Harmony, Concord, or Song Table, but there were congregations especially dedicated to instrumental music: a trombone ensemble, the music society and even a zither society. Some of them are still existing, namely the music society, now called City Brass Orchestra. As to tradition, this music society is exceptional; to this day, the conductor is a municipal employee.
Backnang underwent considerable social changes. Formerly a tranquil little town with hardly 10.000 inhabitants, it expanded into an industrial town approximating 36.000. Since the end of WW II, the economic stress shifted as well. Today, telecommunication engineering plays a major economic role having impact on social and cultural needs.
Definitely a special feature is the ’Backnanger Straßenfest’. Since 1971, every year thousands of visitors crowd the narrow alleys of the historic town centre and enjoy a wide range of music, presented on numerous stages. At the traditional talent festival, individual interprets or bands may prove their talent on stage – and with a bit of luck start a career, as the singer Wolle Kriwanek did, the winner of the first festival in 1971.