Joseph Mohr lives on in Hintersee
Works of art on a famous poet's remembrance trail
The Joseph Mohr Remembrance Trail is, as the name suggests, a trail to commemorate the author of the Christmas carol "Silent Night". The path is 1.2 kilometres long and includes 6 exhibits dedicated to Joseph Mohr. The path was opened on 14 August 2018 by the then Governor Dr Wilfried Haslauer together with all the associations from the Hintersee community. An absolute must for all Joseph Mohr and "Silent Night" fans and a refreshing change from skiing or ski tours. Take a quick look at the 6 exhibits.
Exhibit 1:
The Philanthropist | Veronica Mrazek
The Philanthropist is a PAN art image on a large canvas and is the first exhibit on the Remembrance Trail. Its vivid colours fascinate the eye and give the work depth. This picture, by Salzburg artist Veronika Mrazek, deliberately makes Joseph Mohr its focal point. And it makes Joseph Mohr's love for others as tangible as the man himself – from a distance, and without any loss of detail.
Exhibit 2:
Ode to the Hintersee | Bernd Horak
Exhibit 2 of the Remembrance Trail features another artwork, this time by Salzburg's Bernd Horak. His work features a panoramic view created using a special mixing technique using oil paints, tree resin and UV paints. It is located in the Joseph Mohr Memorial Chapel and takes you to a world between the traditional and the modern. Subtle details reflect elements of the natural landscape and also reference Joseph Mohr's life in Hintersee. All while maintaining a focus on the main subject, the carol "Silent Night".
Exhibit 3:
Joseph Mohr statue | Felix Igler
An iron and spruce statue by Faistenau sculptor Felix Igler forms part of Exhibit 3. The statue focuses on Joseph Mohr's generosity towards others, giving food, money and firewood to those in need. A true example for everyone in today's society.
Wooden Xylophone | Martin Ainz
The Wooden Xylophone made from larch is the other part of Exhibit 3. It is a functioning xylophone the size of a tree trunk and beckons you to play it. Try playing the world-famous melody "Silent Night! Holy Night!". The instrument was made by Faistenau carpenter Martin Ainz.
Exhibit 4:
The Recliner | Michael Ebner
Take a seat on The Recliner, a work by carpenter and artist Michael Ebner. This piece is the first of the 4th exhibit of the Joseph Mohr Remembrance Trail, a recliner made from larch. The recliner invites you to enjoy the natural surroundings, listen to your own thoughts and savour the music of the Singing Font – an artwork which beautifully enhances its surroundings.
Singing Font | Martin Ainz
The second part of Exhibit 4 is the Singing Font by carpenter Martin Ainz. The Singing Font consists of an old wooden font from Hintersee parish church and a tabernacle – an artistically designed Catholic shrine. When you press the button, you can listen to the original melody of "Silent Night, Holy Night" while you lie back on The Recliner. For Martin Ainz, this old melody symbolises a global trek, which can be traced to the description of Joseph Mohr as "the wandering priest".
Exhibit 5:
The Gigantic Stone Guitar | Maximilian Pristovnik, Manuel Schlager, Erasmus Brandstätter & Franz Radauer
Exhibit 5 also consists of two parts, with the first part being The Gigantic Stone Guitar. This guitar is a walk-in stone guitar, specifically designed to remind you of the guitar Joseph Mohr always carried with him wherever he went. The piece was designed by engineer Maximilian Pristovnik, the roof carpentry was done by carpenter Manuel Schlager, the stone wall was designed by architect Erasmus Brandstätter and the earth moving was done by Franz Radauer.
Angel | Silvia Weinberger
The second part of Exhibit 5 is the Angel, a layer technique painting reproduced, digitised and printed on aluminium composite by the artist Silvia Weinberger. Weinberger herself says about the artwork: "Joseph Mohr brought brightness to Hintersee with his philanthropy and guitar music. He let joy and light into the lives of the poor.“
Exhibit 6:
Joseph Mohr bust | Franz Lohninger
Exhibit 6 of the Joseph Mohr Remembrance Trail contains the Joseph Mohr bust and the Village Well. The Joseph Mohr bust is a work by Salzburg sculptor Franz Lohninger, completed back in 1985, and which depicts the face of Joseph Mohr during his lifetime. The marble pedestal on which the bust stands was made by stonemason Bernhard Winkler and is made of Untersberg marble, the same marble used to make the Village Well
Village Well | Bernhard Winkler
The Village Well, made from Untersberg marble, was made by Bernhard Winkler and invites you to linger. The drinkable water is a welcome thirst-quencher and a welcome refreshment on a hot summer's day.
Want to see the artworks on the Joseph Mohr Remembrance Trail for yourself? Send us an obligation-free enquiry.
