Exhibitions

Bernstein's Beethoven

Ode to freedom

3 May to 19 August 2024

American composer, pianist, conductor, writer and teacher Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) is mainly known for his interpretation of Gustav Mahler. The Beethoven-Haus now honours him with a multimedia special exhibition as one of the eminent intermediaries for Ludwig van Beethoven in the 20th century.

Originally planned for the Beethoven anniversary year 2020, the exhibition traces Bernstein's lifelong engagement with the composer from his early analytical texts in the 1940s to his final concert of Beethoven's 7th Symphony at Tanglewood in the summer of 1990. Bernstein's significance for the history of Beethoven's reception is illustrated on the basis of selected score entries, compositions, letters and texts by Bernstein, his concert introductions, omnibus television broadcasts and extensive disco and filmography. Numerous documents from sensational Beethoven concerts are also presented, including the performance of the Ninth Symphony in Berlin at Christmas 1989. His socio-political interpretation of the music and his didactics aimed at broad sections of the population take centre stage.

Opening hours
Admission
Accompanying booklet

Supported by:
The Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media