"Ludwig van Beethoven - Ode an die Freude" [Ode to Joy] sculptural installation, 2019

The project (launched by the citizen's campaign under the name of "UNSER LUDWIG, BÜRGER FÜR BEETHOVEN" - OUR LUDWIG, CITIZENS FOR BEETHOVEN - and city-marketing bonn e.V. in collaboration with the Beethoven Anniversary society) did cause a sensation in the run-up to its implementation. Showing a smiling composer, the serial sculpture, which measures approx. one metre in height, is a real antithesis to the established Beethoven image. Ottmar Hörl wishes to make people revise their opinions: "What I'm after is giving people a stimulus for communication, delighting them and inviting them to form a new idea of Beethoven. All those who encounter the installation, become part of the project."

Entitled "Ludwig van Beethoven – Ode an die Freude" [Ode to Joy], the installation is on view between 17 May and 2 June 2019, covering more than a thousand square metres at the foot of the Beethoven monument, which was unveiled in Bonn's Münsterplatz square in 1845. Not only was Beethoven born in Bonn, he also lived and worked in the city for twenty-two years. As a reminiscence to the historical Beethoven monument, Hörl's sculptures have been devised in green. However, they are also available in gold colour in reference to the Beethoven anniversary in 2020.

view the WDR video of 17 May 2019
view the video "unser Ludwig"
access the Bürger für Beethoven website
access the city-marketing bonn website 

access the Beethoven installation in Moscow (2020)