Museum of Fine Arts - Beethoven

Although he only visited Leipzig once as an aspiring young pianist and composer, Beethoven had close ties to the city. An important part of his works were published in Leipzig, first by the "Bureau de Musique" (later C. F. Peters), founded in 1800, and then by the oldest music publisher in the world, Breitkopf & Härtel (music track station 8).

In 1801, the publisher Härtel approached Beethoven and offered the promising composer the first printing of new works. The first collaboration took place in 1802/1803. Three of Beethoven's works were premiered in Leipzig:

• November 1796: Soprano Aria in the Altes Theater (sheet music station 2) 
• February 1808: Triple Concerto in the First Gewandhaus (sheet music station 21)
• November 1811: 5th Piano Concerto in the First Gewandhaus (sheet music station 21)
• . Piano Concerto in the First Gewandhaus 

Since the historic building of the Breitkopf & Härtel publishing house was destroyed in the Second World War, an art venue is dedicated to Beethoven on the Notenspur: the Museum of Fine Arts (MdbK for short). One of the world's most important music-related works of fine art is exhibited here: Klinger's Beethoven sculpture. The artist Max Klinger (1857-1920) worked on the 3.1-meter-high work of art for seven years. It is one of the major works of Symbolism. Beethoven is depicted as a musical titan, to whom even the eagle looks up in awe. Unapproachable and unperturbed, he follows his path, trusting in his inspiration alone.

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