[Unveiled 1884]
1770-1827 b. Bonn, Germany • d. Vienna, Austria
Sculpted 1884
Sculptor: Henry Bearer 1837-1908
Gift of The German-American Choir Society
Located in the Central Park Mall, just a few feet
away from Schiller and ideally situated
opposite the Bandshell, the bronze bust
of Ludwig van Beethoven pensively
stares down at the passersby below.
Beneath his gaze, stands a figurine
holding a harp symbolizing his musical gift.
Beyond a gift of birth was his skill in
uniting the Classical and Romantic age
with a cataclysmic power of harmonies
an achievement made all the more
mysterious by his deafness.
Though scandal plagued his life and his
character was called into question more
than one his music has given a voice to
the soul of mankind.
This tribute to Beethoven was placed in
the Park in 1884, marking the sixtieth
anniversary of the composer's
Ninth Symphony.
