For musicians, Beethoven is a god. Yet the whole world knows him only as grumpy.

Dear Mr. Wallburger,

My idea is to foster a more sympathetic perception of Beethoven in the 21st century: For musicians, Beethoven is a god, an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Yet the whole world knows him only as grumpy.

It is high time for a paradigm shift in collective perception, time for a more sympathetic visual image of Beethoven. From Bonn, it will spread to the world.

Beethoven's compositions are of great range, sensitivity, and revolutionary impact. He was an artist through and through, innovative, always interested in new ideas, a pioneer. He celebrated successes, experienced highs, endured lows and setbacks, yet he never gave up, instead composing masterpieces. Of course, he also had cheerful, joyful moments in his life. He also set to music "Ode to Joy," Schiller's poem and vision that all people become brothers. Since 1982, it has been officially the anthem ofthe European Union and is one of the most popular classical pieces ever.

Best regards, Ottmar Hörl

Note: In 2019, Ottmar Hörl created a much-acclaimed installation "Ludwig van Beethoven – Ode to Joy" at the Bonn Münsterplatz at the feet of the Beethoven monument, inaugurated in 1845 with a total of 1,000 meter-tall opal-green and golden Beethoven sculptures.