Three questions for: Jos Diegel

First, of course, the inevitable: Ta-ta-ta-Taaammm and Joy, beautiful spark of the gods (laugh...). But beyond that, Beethoven was probably the first real pop star of classical music from today's perspective. He is perceived as a timeless figure who continues to influence musical and cultural discourse to this day. This raises the question for me of what role culture, artistic freedom, and especially the experimental play in our social coexistence: Art is not just an accessory, but a central engine for discourse.

I am not actually that well-versed in Beethoven's work. However, what strongly influences me is Friedrich Schiller's philosophy on aesthetic education. That's why I appreciate Beethoven's setting of 'Ode to Joy' in the fourth movement of his 9th Symphony so much: He gave Schiller's appeal for freedom, unity, and humanity a universal voice and made it world-famous. This global work accompanies millions of people through their lives – and it will probably remain so forever.

I have always been intrigued by the question of why Ludwig has a 'van' and not a 'von' in his name. In Dutch names, 'van' simply denotes the place of origin – a parallel to the Dutch part of my own family. There is also a fascinating, albeit tragic historical connection: A namesake of mine, Josyne van Beethoven from Kampenhout, was supposedly an ancestor of Ludwig's. She was defamed as a witch in 1595 and burned at the stake in the Grand-Place in Brussels.