Claiming Beethoven

Prof. Dr. Michael Custodis and his team at the University of Münster

We portrait a group of international musicologists and historians examining aspects of propaganda, collaboration, resistance, persecution and exile.

  1. Part 3 - “Music Between all Fronts from 1940 to 1945” with Michael Custodis

    16/06/2023

    Part 3 - “Music Between all Fronts from 1940 to 1945” with Michael Custodis

    In this compelling episode of "Claiming Beethoven," we delve into the profound impact of the Second World War on Beethoven's enduring legacy. Join us as we embark on a thought-provoking exploration of this historical period and its profound implications for the composer's music. During the war, Beethoven's compositions acquired new dimensions and meanings, resonating deeply with individuals in a time of great upheaval. We uncover how the war influenced the perception, interpretation, and reception of his works, revealing how they became a source of solace, inspiration, and unity for people amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the era. Throughout this episode, we shed light on the challenges faced by musicians and artists, who navigated censorship, artistic suppression, and political pressures. Despite these obstacles, Beethoven's music persevered, transcending the boundaries of war and continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless beauty. Drawing on historical context and insightful analysis, we uncover the resilience and enduring power of Beethoven's compositions during this tumultuous chapter. Join us as we unveil the untold stories and explore the remarkable ways Beethoven's music became a beacon of hope, resilience, and a testament to the human spirit amidst one of the darkest periods in history. This episode of "Claiming Beethoven" invites you to reflect, appreciate, and be inspired by the profound impact of music in the face of adversity. Prepare to immerse yourself in a compelling exploration of Beethoven's history, artistry, and enduring legacy as we unravel the profound significance of his music during the Second World War. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

    32 min
  2. Part 1 - “Season Finale: Reprising Significant Findings and Themes from Our Inaugural Podcast Season” with Michael Custodis

    15/06/2023

    Part 1 - “Season Finale: Reprising Significant Findings and Themes from Our Inaugural Podcast Season” with Michael Custodis

    Welcome to a new episode of "Claiming Beethoven," where we bring our first season to a close with a series of insightful summaries. Throughout this remarkable journey, we had the pleasure of hosting 12 episodes with distinguished musicologists and historians representing diverse topics, countries, and approaches. Drawing upon this wealth of knowledge, we have curated four distinct episodes for our season finale. In this episode, we revisit the fundamental premise of our research project, offering a renewed explanation of the general idea. Through the exploration of exceptional cases, we aim to illustrate the profound impact and far-reaching influence of our main tasks. By examining these extraordinary instances, we shed light on the significance and far-reaching implications of our endeavours. Subsequently, we embark on a three-part exploration, with each episode representing a major chapter within our project. The first of these episodes delves into the realm of cultural heritage as a field of rivalry before 1940. Through meticulous analysis, we uncover the complexities and nuances of this fascinating domain. Continuing our intellectual journey, the subsequent episode delves into the core essence of our project—the very nucleus that defines our research. Focusing on the period spanning 1940 to 1945, we examine the profound role of music amidst the tumultuous backdrop of multiple fronts. By unravelling its multifaceted dimensions, we gain profound insights into the power and resilience of music during challenging times. As we approach the culmination of our inaugural season, our final episode takes us on a poignant exploration of learning from history. Guided by a rich tapestry of past experiences, we reflect on the invaluable lessons and wisdom that history imparts. By studying the past, we endeavour to forge a brighter future. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

    24 min
  3. Part 2 - “Symbol of German Essence”? Beethoven’s Music in Occupied Italy. With Friedrich Geiger.

    12/05/2023

    Part 2 - “Symbol of German Essence”? Beethoven’s Music in Occupied Italy. With Friedrich Geiger.

    Born in Munich in 1966, Friedrich Geiger studied music, historical and systematic musicology and Latin philology in Munich and Hamburg. In 1997 he received his doctorate on the dramatic and oratorical works of the Russian-German composer Vladimir Vogel. From 1997 to 2002 he headed the research and information center for outlawed music (“Forschungs- und Informationszentrum für verfemte Musik”), a joint institution of the Dresden Center for Contemporary Music and the TU Dresden. In 2003 he completed his Habilitation at the University of Hamburg with the study Musik in zwei Diktaturen. Verfolgung von Komponisten unter Hitler und Stalin. In the same year, he became a research associate at the FU Berlin in the DFG Collaborative Research Center 626 Ästhetische Erfahrung im Zeichen der Entgrenzung der Künste. Since 2000 he has taught as lecturer at various universities. From the summer semester of 2007 he was professor for historical musicology at the University of Hamburg. In the summer semester of 2020, he accepted a call from the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts to take up the chair in historical musicology. In the summer of 2020 he was elected a full member of the Academia Europaea. Friedrich Geiger’s main fields of research cover the history of music from the 18th century to the present, as well as music and music aesthetics of Greco-Roman antiquity and their reception. Other topics concern comparative research on music in dictatorships and in exile, the historiography of popular music, the geography of music history and musical judgement. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram

    32 min
  4. Part 1 - “Symbol of German Essence”? Beethoven’s Music in Occupied Italy. With Friedrich Geiger.

    05/05/2023

    Part 1 - “Symbol of German Essence”? Beethoven’s Music in Occupied Italy. With Friedrich Geiger.

    Born in Munich in 1966, Friedrich Geiger studied music, historical and systematic musicology and Latin philology in Munich and Hamburg. In 1997 he received his doctorate on the dramatic and oratorical works of the Russian-German composer Vladimir Vogel. From 1997 to 2002 he headed the research and information center for outlawed music (“Forschungs- und Informationszentrum für verfemte Musik”), a joint institution of the Dresden Center for Contemporary Music and the TU Dresden. In 2003 he completed his Habilitation at the University of Hamburg with the study Musik in zwei Diktaturen. Verfolgung von Komponisten unter Hitler und Stalin. In the same year, he became a research associate at the FU Berlin in the DFG Collaborative Research Center 626 Ästhetische Erfahrung im Zeichen der Entgrenzung der Künste. Since 2000 he has taught as lecturer at various universities. From the summer semester of 2007 he was professor for historical musicology at the University of Hamburg. In the summer semester of 2020, he accepted a call from the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts to take up the chair in historical musicology. In the summer of 2020 he was elected a full member of the Academia Europaea. Friedrich Geiger’s main fields of research cover the history of music from the 18th century to the present, as well as music and music aesthetics of Greco-Roman antiquity and their reception. Other topics concern comparative research on music in dictatorships and in exile, the historiography of popular music, the geography of music history and musical judgement. Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram

    22 min
  5. Part 2 - "The Sound of Propaganda: The Impact of German Influence in the Musical Life of Institutions in Occupied Greece" with Alexandros Charkiolakis

    28/04/2023

    Part 2 - "The Sound of Propaganda: The Impact of German Influence in the Musical Life of Institutions in Occupied Greece" with Alexandros Charkiolakis

    Alexandros Charkiolakis studied music at the Hellenic Conservatoire and at the University of Sheffield, as well as Philosophy and Management at the University of Athens. He has worked as a musicologist and coordinator for educational projects at the Music Library of Greece “Lilian Voudouri” of the Friends of Music Society. In 2013, he became Head of the “Erol Üçer” Music Library and adjunct Lecturer in Historical Musicology at MIAM (Center for Advanced Studies in Music) of the Istanbul Technical University. In May 2017, he returned to Athens to take up the position of Director of the Friends of Music Society. He has edited and authored several books, and he has co-authored the book “Interspersed with musical entertainment”: Music in Greek salons of the 19th century with Avra Xepapadakou. He is the President of the Board of the Greek IAML Branch, and he serves as a member of the Boards of the ETOS-State Orchestra of Athens and at the Mikis Theodorakis Museum in Zatouna. Also, he is a member of the sectorial scientific council for Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries of the National Council for Research, Technology, and Innovation (ESETEK). His research interests vary between historical musicology, music information resources and retrieval, music, and digital culture. Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram

    24 min
  6. Part 1 - "The Sound of Propaganda: The Impact of German Influence in the Musical Life of Institutions in Occupied Greece" with Alexandros Charkiolakis

    21/04/2023

    Part 1 - "The Sound of Propaganda: The Impact of German Influence in the Musical Life of Institutions in Occupied Greece" with Alexandros Charkiolakis

    Alexandros Charkiolakis studied music at the Hellenic Conservatoire and at the University of Sheffield, as well as Philosophy and Management at the University of Athens. He has worked as a musicologist and coordinator for educational projects at the Music Library of Greece “Lilian Voudouri” of the Friends of Music Society. In 2013, he became Head of the “Erol Üçer” Music Library and adjunct Lecturer in Historical Musicology at MIAM (Center for Advanced Studies in Music) of the Istanbul Technical University. In May 2017, he returned to Athens to take up the position of Director of the Friends of Music Society. He has edited and authored several books, and he has co-authored the book “Interspersed with musical entertainment”: Music in Greek salons of the 19th century with Avra Xepapadakou. He is the President of the Board of the Greek IAML Branch, and he serves as a member of the Boards of the ETOS-State Orchestra of Athens and at the Mikis Theodorakis Museum in Zatouna. Also, he is a member of the sectorial scientific council for Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries of the National Council for Research, Technology, and Innovation (ESETEK). His research interests vary between historical musicology, music information resources and retrieval, music, and digital culture. Follow us on ⁠Instagram

    19 min

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We portrait a group of international musicologists and historians examining aspects of propaganda, collaboration, resistance, persecution and exile.