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

In the concluding episode of the first season of "Claiming Beethoven," our host, Michael Custodis, delves into the thought-provoking theme of "Consequences of Beethoven Ideologies for Our Own Times." Through engaging conversations with the esteemed scholars we have hosted this season, we explore the profound impact of Beethoven's ideologies and their relevance in our contemporary world. Examining various perspectives and insights, we unravel how Beethoven's music and legacy have shaped cultural, social, and political landscapes throughout history. Join us as we reflect on the enduring influence of Beethoven and uncover the ways in which his ideas continue to resonate and inspire us today.



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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.



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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.



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In the season finale's second episode titled "Why Beethoven? Cultural Heritage as a Field of Rivalry before 1940", we take a panoramic view of Beethoven's cultural significance by featuring the voices of our guests from previous episodes. These experts in musicology, history, and cultural studies provide diverse perspectives on the interpretations, readings, and exploitations of Beethoven's compositions. We delve into the ways in which Beethoven's music has shaped cultural and national identities, while examining the debates and controversies surrounding its political meanings. Join us as we unravel the complex tapestry of Beethoven's legacy and its profound impact across historical and social contexts.



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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.



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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.



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