 Berlin can be regarded as the breeding ground for the powerful choir movement that played such an important role in the broad socialization of music in Germany during the 19th century.When in 1701 Frederick III declared himself Frederick I, "King in Prussia", Berlin became a royal residence and subsequently attained more musical prestige.Under his successor Frederick William I (1713–1740), musical life in Berlin lost part of its splendor, due to his focus on the military strengthening of Prussia.