Three questions for: Anne Barth

What connects you with Beethoven's life and work or not?

When I hear the name Beethoven, the first thing that comes to mind is “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?

I am particularly drawn to the collaboration with so many other artists on this journey. As a photographer, I often work alone, but I actually love working in a team. 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 discuss? 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 one reads and hears 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. The non-recognition of hierarchies connects him and me in my eyes very much. It is always interesting when you have a common basis but come to different conclusions.

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