Three Questions to: Tina Altus

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

"THOUGHTS ARE FREE"

Ich bin Urleipzigerin und denke an meine Zeit (1981 bis 1990) als Sekretärin des Rektors der Hochschule für Musik „Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy“ in Leipzig. Ich will mich nicht zu weit herauslehnen, denn aufgrund der tief verwurzelten Musiktradition in Leipzig und der Historie der Hochschule für Musik war Johann Sebastian Bach der meistgespielte Komponist vor Ort.

But Beethoven was, of course, played and taught there and performed in the chamber music hall. His spirit also, so to speak, wafted through the classrooms and corridors.

He was the most played classical composer at that time in the GDR. But I also think about the fact that in the unjust state of the GDR, everything was alienated for its own ideology, for example, to convey an image of socialism as 'The Power of Peace'. In a public letter to the rector, I initiated the process of change during the transition at the university, which almost cost me my job.

Es gab zahlreiche Chöre, die die 'Ode an die Freude' von Beethovens 9. Sinfonie sangen. Nur auch beim Singen gilt: DIE GEDANKEN SIND FREI.  Die Kraft seiner Musik ist ganz offenbar weltumspannend und lässt sich nicht vereinnahmen, wer auch immer dies versuchte. Die Geschichte hält da viele Beispiele parat.  Ich bin sicher, dass uns gerade die 9. Sinfonie auch die Kraft gegeben hat für Freiheit, Brüderlichkeit und wirklichen Frieden auf die Straße zu gehen, in Friedlichkeit zu demonstrieren gegen die Unbill des Staates. Vereint in Brüder- und Schwesterlichkeit haben wir uns gegen den Staatsapparat aufgelehnt und Unglaubliches erreicht. Das waren schöne Götterfunken. 

Why are you going on this fictional journey with Beethoven and us this year?

It is a crazy and at the same time really beautiful idea that he suddenly dwells among us. I find it exciting to devote myself intensively to this project. It generally unleashes energies in each of us and perhaps also creates synergies. I look forward to artistic exchange and inspiration.

The main work of Leipzig-born Max Klinger - a Beethoven sculpture - is displayed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Leipzig. For me, it has exuberant power and is considered the epitome of heroic Beethoven worship. And then there is also the bronze sculpture created by Markus Lüpertz in Leipzig, which has been hotly debated since 2015. He virtually took Beethoven off the pedestal. We will rub against Beethoven, his music, his messages, and find our own unique approach.

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

What is freedom for him? And I would want to know what his places of peace were. I often find him extremely agitated, his music almost brutal, and this absolute will to create something great as a gift.

I assume that it was nature that offered him peace and relaxation. Here I also see my artistic approach. I would definitely visit the botanical gardens of the cities with him. Because here I am - not only in a figurative sense - at home.