Imagine Beethoven is here among us. His unkempt hair is as wild as his compositions. He wears a stern gaze that pierces through the noise of modern Vienna. We’re standing before the Beethoven-Gedenkstein. It is the most famous monument to his genius. It resides in a remarkably musical part of Vienna.
This bronze statue is more than just a likeness. It’s a testament to Beethoven’s enduring impact. The Beethoven-Gedenkstein was unveiled on May 1st, 1880. This was 53 years after the composer’s death. Emperor Franz Joseph was supposed to attend. Archduke Karl Ludwig took his place.
The Beethoven-Gedenkstein sits proudly on Beethovenplatz. The statue features Beethoven sitting on a plinth. Mythological and symbolic figures surround him. Prometheus is there. He was the subject of a ballet with music by Beethoven.
Caspar von Zumbusch designed this Beethoven monument. He also created other famous Viennese monuments. He designed the monument to Empress Maria Theresa. It features Mozart and Haydn. Zumbusch also designed equestrian statues. One statue is of Archduke Albrecht. It stands in front of the Albertina. The other is of Field Marshal Radetzky. It stands on Stubenring.
This whole area of Vienna breathes music. The Kursalon is just a block away. Johann Strauss entertained the Viennese there. Schubertring is another near neighbour. The world-class Konzerthaus concert hall lies practically across the street.
But wait. This Beethoven monument isn’t the only Beethoven memorial on the square. A more abstract bronze of Beethoven by Markus Lüpertz is nearby.
The Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde commissioned the Beethoven-Gedenkstein. This musical society still exists today. Their concert hall is possibly the world’s greatest classical music venue. It is home to the Wiener Philharmoniker orchestra.
The Beethoven-Gedenkstein has seen some changes over the years. Initially, the statue faced Palais Gutmann. Wilhelm von Gutmann was the monument’s main financier. Later, the Wien River was enclosed. In 1901, they rotated the statue 180 degrees. Now, it faces the Lothringerstrasse. In the late 1960s, they built an underground garage. The Beethoven-Gedenkstein was temporarily moved to the Stadtpark.
Look closely at the Beethoven-Gedenkstein. The statue shows Beethoven sitting. He is in a strict historicist style. At his feet, you’ll see the chained Prometheus. Nike stands there too. She holds a raised laurel wreath. Nine musical putti represent his nine symphonies. The front of the pedestal reads “LUDWIG / VAN / BEETHOVEN”. The back says “ERRICHTET / MDCCCLXXX”. Carl Turbain the Elder cast the bronze figures.
The Beethoven-Gedenkstein cost 46,000 Gulden. The monument committee raised 40,000. The city expansion fund contributed 6,000. The fund also paid 3,000 Gulden. This was for redesigning the surrounding green space.
The Beethoven-Gedenkstein isn’t just a statue. It is a symbol of Vienna’s deep connection to classical music. It reminds us of Beethoven’s genius. It connects us to the city’s rich cultural heritage. As we leave Beethovenplatz, let’s carry the echoes of his music with us. Let’s remember the stories etched in bronze.