Three Questions for: Lisa Schubert

When the name Ludwig van Beethoven is mentioned, what comes to your mind?

When the name Ludwig van Beethoven is mentioned, his famous portrait by Joseph Karl Stieler immediately appears in my mind's eye. Even in elementary school – when I first heard “Joy, beautiful spark of the gods” – his music deeply moved me and gave me goosebumps.

This first encounter sparked my curiosity: I wanted to learn more about Beethoven and wished for a “Classics for Kids” cassette, through which his life and work first became very close to me.

Were there events in your life that were directly or indirectly related to Beethoven?

Yes, there was a formative event: At the age of 13, as part of my keyboard training, I was allowed to play “Für Elise” myself for the first time – on keyboard and piano. This brought Ludwig van Beethoven much closer to me again. While playing, I could immerse myself in his world and musically empathize with what he must have felt. That's exactly why “Für Elise” is still the most beautiful and touching work of Beethoven for me.

If Beethoven were sitting opposite you: What topics would you address? What questions would you ask?

I would ask him about the source of his creative power: Where does this inner energy come from that allowed you to keep creating despite all resistance? What or who really influenced you?

Furthermore, purely from an artistic perspective, these questions would also interest me: How do you deal with inner darkness, doubts, and pain? Did you have to consciously detach yourself from the expectations of others to find your own artistic language?