Bonn, Germany, Beethoven's birthplace is the home of The Beethoven Monument. This large bronze statue of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1826) is the very first statue of a composer in Germany. Prior to the erecting of The Beethoven Monument, it had not been part of the German or Austrian culture to put up statues of cultural figures. It was unveiled on August 12, 1845, honoring the 75th anniversary of the composer's birth. German artist, Ernst Julius Hähnel, is credited with the sculpting of The Beethoven Monument
Bonn, Germany, Beethoven's birthplace is the home of The Beethoven Monument. This large bronze statue of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1826) is the very first statue of a composer in Germany. Prior to the erecting of The Beethoven Monument, it had not been part of the German or Austrian culture to put up statues of cultural figures. It was unveiled on August 12, 1845, honoring the 75th anniversary of the composer's birth. German artist, Ernst Julius Hähnel, is credited with the sculpting of The Beethoven Monument
In 1828 Germany's first musicology professor, Carol Heinrich Breidenstein, initiated the idea to create a monument honoring Ludwig van Beethoven. Breidenstein's idea began to take life when the "Bonn Association for The Beethoven Monument" committee was formed in December of 1835. At that time, committee head, August Willhelm Schlegel (famous translator of Shakespeare) issued an official call for a permanent memorial to Ludwig van Beethoven. Schlegel approached all the main musical publications in Germany, England and France for financial contributions. Less than enthusiastic support came forth, and the life of the project was at risk.
Alas came Franz Liszt, famous Hungarian composer/pianist. In 1839 Liszt saw that the project was about to fail due to lack of financial backing. He offered a large sum of his own money, and began advocating for the cause. With his personal efforts, the much-needed funds were raised through his concerts and recitals. The proceeds went towards the construction fund.
On May 12, 1845, three months before the long-awaited unveiling of The Beethoven Monument, the committee head died. Schlegel's place as head of the Bonn Association for The Beethoven Monument was filled by musicology professor, Carl Heinrich Breidenstein. This position for Breidenstein seemed fitting since he was the instigator of the idea to create the monument.
A grand three day Beethoven festival was planned for the official unveiling of The Beethoven Monument. Approximately 3,000 attendees were expected, and the committee planners realized that there was not a suitable venue for the event. Again, Franz Liszt stepped forward and provided the finances to construct a building for the event. The committee quickly hired an architect and builders to construct Beethoven Hall. They had less than two weeks to begin and finish Beethoven Hall.
The festival began on Sunday, August 10, 1845. On the third day of the event, the monument was officially unveiled. The grand occasion was attended by King Frederick William IV of Prussia and his consort, Queen Victoria, and Prince Albert. Many famous singers, composers, and conductors were in attendance as well. Sealed inside the monument commemorating the event is a parchment signed by the visiting dignitaries.
Four Benefits of Coloring
Children and Coloring books are like peanut butter and jelly. It’s a recipe for fun like no other. And given the opportunity, children will sit and coloring for hours on end, giving to each animal, pirate and Cartoon character a colorful flair. But, did you know that this simple activity actually provides lifelong benefits for your child.
The Story of Hires Rootbeer
Hires Rootbeer is the first soft drink to be produced and distributed to the public in the United States. Although the invention of rootbeer has its own long history starting as a "small" beer, Charles Hires was the man who is credited for developing this delicious non-alcoholic beverage that we know today.
British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) | UK Microlight Aircraft Support Network
Interested in joining microlight aircraft organization? The British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) is the premier ultralight/microlight association in the United Kingdom (UK).
