Today we traveled to Bonn, Germany. We walked to the train station, found our way onto the correct train and journeyed to the city. In Bonn, we first spent time walking around the beautiful brick streets and looking at the colorful homes. I absolutely loved this city due to its beautiful scenery and easy-to-navigate shopping and eating areas. Next, we met at the Women’s Museum where we learned about important women throughout history that stood up for female rights. We learned about the progression to the right to vote for women as well as many other crucial movements. We learned about the power of friendship through these women’s relationships and the positive effect it can have on the female community as a whole. Upstairs, we saw abstract art pieces made my women that reflected many aspects of female life. After the Women’s Museum, Caroline, Allison, Halle, Colleen and I went to Spitz for lunch and had hamburgers. Following lunch we went to Beethoven’s childhood home prior to his moving to Vienna, Austria. We learned about his music and his impact on Germany as an important historical figure. At the museum there were countless items of Beethoven’s, including many instruments. On the journey back, we stopped for ice cream. It was a full and eventful day!
The most surprising part of today was at the Beethoven Museum. On the third floor of his house, I learned that when Beetoven died, many schools had classes canceled and army members were being shipped in from elsewhere due to the lack of people there. I was amazed to see the impact that Beethoven had on the people of Germany, not only as an incredible musician, but as a role model and figurehead. It was clear that Beethoven’s music had a deep rooted impact on his follower’s lives. I simply had not realized just how loved he was until I saw this museum.
In regards to mental health, I really thought about the impact of music on Beethoven’s listeners. Through the ups and downs of his own life and of history, his music remained a constant for him and his followers. I can’t help but wonder if Beethoven’s music brought happiness to those suffering from mental illness. I also believe that the death of Beethoven was incredibly difficult for those who counted on him as their constant in life. I believe that the impact musicians can have on their followers is tremendous. Specifically, those who suffer from mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, are able to relate to Beethoven and cope with their mental illness with the help of music. Furthermore, I believe that Beethoven’s inability to hear is also an encouragement to those battling anything health related because they are able to see someone make such great strides all while dealing with a challenge ahead of them. Thus, through the understanding of Beethoven’s life and history, I was able to see how his music had a pure and positive impact on those who listened to him.