Some say it captures the essence of Beethoven’s profound impact on music. Others find it tucked away in an overly cemented square in a city that annually faces heat waves. But why is there a bronze statue of a pensive-looking Beethoven in Pershing Square?
To answer this question, we’d have to go back to the founding of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1919 by L.A.–based philanthropist William Andrews Clark Jr. An amateur violinist himself, Clark held Beethoven in high regard. So when the staff of the Philharmonic wanted to return the favor and thank him for his ongoing financial support, a statue of the founder’s favorite composer was commissioned to be designed by Arnold Foerster.
The sculptor wanted to depict the by-then-deaf German composer in a contemplative state, walking through the forest around Vienna with his hands clasped behind his back as he composed the Ninth Symphony. The finished work was unveiled on October 15, 1932 in a huge ceremony, initially placed facing the Philharmonic Auditorium on the other side of 5th Street.
Beethoven continues to impact the music world today
Beethoven’s connection to the Philharmonic doesn’t end there. Its Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel has conducted masterpieces by the German composer several times during his tenure. Much like Beethoven, the Venezuelan maestro thinks that music has the power to transform societies. Now in his final season, Dudamel has even staged a version of ‘Fidelio’ by a choir of deaf people with the Deaf West Theatre.
The music of Beethoven is universal – his vision for a better future was rooted in a celebration of joy and shared humanity” – Gustavo Dudamel
Besides the classical world, Beethoven’s influence is easily detected across a variety of music genres and film scores. If his music is not being played in movies like The King’s Speech (2010), and The Breakfast Club (1985), it’s in a mash-up with electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers and has inspired Nas (I Can samples Beethoven’s Für Elise).
Beethoven vs. Timeless Composers
Ludwig van Beethoven’s works were emotive and bold in length — it’s obvious he enjoyed the element of surprise. Still, music is highly subjective and many people might prefer the works of other composers like Mozart, Bach and Tchaikovsky, whose everlasting melodies you can catch at The Biltmore in Downtown L.A. and the L.A. Equestrian Center in Burbank.