In Celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven's 250th Birthday
»Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. Those who understand my music must be freed by it from all the miseries which the others drag about with themselves.«
Ludwig van Beethoven
Like hardly another composer, Ludwig van Beethoven has become a lynchpin in the world’s cultural memory. The most frequently played composer of all times, his work points far beyond the world of music. His heritage radiates within our society to this day; his visions are sources of inspiration and role models. With his uncompromising artistic spirit, his revolutionary musical concepts and ground-breaking music, Beethoven threw open the gates of modernism and introduced topics into public discourse which still move us today.
His 250th birthday is being celebrated everywhere – a global event which not only calls upon the cultural world to examine the heritage of the great classical composer, but invites everyone to focus on the works and ideas of Beethoven the man and Beethoven the artist. After all, the ideals of humanity and freedom, but also the will to change society are still very much alive and current today.
The Dresden Music Festival dedicates part of its programme to the Beethoven anniversary, approaching the composer, humanist, prophet and lover of nature through multi-faceted and intriguing concerts.
