Three questions for: Anne Barth

What connects you with the life and work of Beethoven or not?

The name Beethoven first reminds me of “Ode to Joy”. But I also think back to my student days, I lived and studied for several years in Beethoven's birthplace, Bonn. And, of course, his appearance. The rather grim look, the wild gray hair.

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

What excites me most about the journey is the collaboration with so many other artists. As a photographer, I often work alone, but I actually love teamwork. I am very much looking forward to the exchange and believe that it will enrich me greatly, not just artistically. 

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

I don't think there's a burning question I would like to ask Beethoven. In fact, I have an ambivalent impression of him as a contemporary. In what you read and hear about him, how his nature was, the term “toxic masculinity” immediately resonates in my mind, and if this first impression were confirmed in a fictional encounter, I would have no interest in a conversation. 

What really fascinates me is his view of the world, shaped by humanism. In my eyes, his refusal to acknowledge hierarchies connects him and me very much. It is always interesting when you have a common basis but arrive at different conclusions.

In a podcast about him, it was essentially stated that Beethoven did not care much for the individual person but a lot for humanity as a whole. I think I see it exactly the opposite. I am very interested in the individual, while humanity as a whole, in my eyes, causes a lot of harm. This could be a starting point where an interesting exchange could certainly develop.