Idris Khan in Ludwig van: The Beethoven Myth at Philharmonie de Paris

Following its recent exhibitions dedicated to figures as diverse as David Bowie, Pierre Boulez and Marc Chagall, the Philharmonie de Paris now offers us a new perspective on one of the key figures in the European and international music world: the composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

The Beethoven “myth” crosses all artistic genres, extending beyond cultural and geographical boundaries and, at the same time, it is the sign of a tradition and the symbol of these ever-changing modern times.

But the exhibition is not just confined to the composer’s works, the iconic, time-venerated symphonies, piano sonatas and string quartets and other pieces forming the regular repertoire of the Philharmonie de Paris. The stature of the composer extends far beyond the realms of classical music. Still present in so many and varied artistic forms, Beethoven transports us into a world of popular and intellectual, political and artistic imagination, a mirror in which our humanity is constantly reflected.

Image: Idris Khan, Struggling to Hear..... After Ludwig van Beethoven Sonatas, 2005

Read more