Three questions for: 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 classes and corridors.
He was the most played classical composer in the GDR at that time. But I also think that in the unjust state of the GDR, everything was alienated for its own ideology, to convey an image of socialism as 'The Peace Power'. In a public letter to the rector, I initiated the change process during the turnaround 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 releases energies in each of us and perhaps also creates synergies. I look forward to artistic exchange and inspiration.
The main work of Max Klinger, born in Leipzig - a Beethoven sculpture - is displayed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Leipzig. For me, it has an exuberant power and is considered the epitome of heroic Beethoven admiration. 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 engage with Beethoven, his music, his messages, and find our own unique approach.
If Beethoven were sitting opposite you: What topics would you address? What questions would you ask?
What is freedom to him? And I would want to know what his places of peace were. I often perceive him as extremely agitated, his music almost brutal, and this absolute will to create something great as a gift.
I assume 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.