Declaration against the use of Beethoven's music in extremist contexts

In light of recent circumstances, the Beethoven-House Bonn together with international partner organisations issues a joint declaration directed against the abusive utilization of Beethoven’s music in extremist contexts. The use of Beethoven’s music to accompany statements by a candidate in the French presidential campaign forms the background to this. However, the declaration points beyond the specific context.

Declaration

'When will come the time when there will be only human beings? We are likely to see that happy time in but a few places. But we won’t see it come to pass everywhere. Centuries will go by before that happens.'
Ludwig van Beethoven, letter to Heinrich von Struve, Vienna, September 17, 1795, autograph from the Beethoven-Haus Bonn collection

'To do good whenever one can, to love liberty above all else, never to deny the truth, even though it be before the throne.'
Ludwig van Beethoven, entry in the family book of Theodora Johanna Vocke from Nuremberg, Vienna, 22 May 1793

Beethoven societies of the world are united in a clear vision that Ludwig van Beethoven’s music is profoundly human and for everyone. His music and his legacy should never be abused by those seeking power through hate and oppression.

Signatories

Beethoven-Haus Bonn
Daniel Hope, Präsident
Malte Boecker, Direktor
www.beethoven.de

ABF - Association Beethoven France et Francophonie
Dominique Prevot, Président
www.beethoven-france.org

American Beethoven Society
Brian Holmes, President
www.americanbeethovensociety.org

Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies at San José State University
Dr. Erica Buurman, Director
www.sjsu.edu/beethoven

International Beethoven Academy
at Le Concert Olympique
Jan Caeyers, Artistic Director
www.leconcertolympique.eu

Casa Museo Biblioteca Beethoveniana – Collezione Carrino
Sergio, Giuliana e Ludovico Carrino, Fondatori
lvbeethoven.eu

Wiener Beethoven Gesellschaft
Erwin Ortner, Präsident
www.beethovengesellschaft.at

Press Contact

Europressedienst
presse@europressedienst.com
+49 (0) 163 702 4864

On behalf of
Ursula Timmer-Fontani
Leitung Unternehmenskommunikation
Beethoven-Haus Bonn

Sender

The Beethoven House in Bonn
The Beethoven-Haus Bonn Association, founded in 1889, is regarded as a leading international Beethoven Centre. Its mission is to keep Beethoven's life, work and legacy alive. The cultural institution includes an internationally outstanding Beethoven collection, the museum in Beethoven's birthplace with over 100,000 visitors per year, a musicological research department together with a library and publishing house as well as a Chamber Music Hall. Supported by around 900 friends, sponsors and members from over 20 countries, and supported by the Federal Government, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Rhineland Regional Association and the City of Bonn, the Beethoven House fulfils a cultural mission of national and international significance. Violinist Daniel Hope has served as president since 2020. In 2016, the non-profit Beethoven Jubiläums GmbH was founded under the umbrella of the Beethoven-Haus Foundation to coordinate and market the events for the anniversary year 2020. The Beethoven Jubilee celebrations were extended until the end of September 2021 due to the Corona pandemic.