Association chronicle

Find out about our various activities in the past HERE.

From
association life

Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we must say goodbye to our loyal member Gerhard Richner, who passed away unexpectedly on January 16. He often delighted and enriched us with his music and knowledge. All those who were there will remember his “farewell concert” on November 9 vividly. We could not have known that this would also be a farewell to the beloved Gerhard Richner.

We mourn with his wife Helga, his sons and their families, and all his relatives, and wish them comfort and support.

On behalf of the Executive Board
Regina Walter

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New acquisition by the association: reconstruction of a historical ladies' dress
based on designs from the second half of the 18th century

Dr. Bettermann presents “Madame Beethoven” wearing a historical ladies' dress.
(Photo: Regina Walter)

Maria Magdalena van Beethoven loved beautiful dresses and owned an elegant wardrobe. At least that is what Cäcilie Fischer (1762-1845) remembered, who lived in the same house as her for many years and was in close contact with her and her family. This fact inspired the friends and supporters of the Mutter-Beethoven-Haus to commission the reconstruction of a festive dress that would correspond to those Beethoven's mother. Dr. Beate Marks-Hanßen, Purpurvilla, Bonn, undertook the task of making the dress, the undergarments, and the bonnet. She based her work on depictions from Bonn and Koblenz that were created in the second half of the 18th century—such as a portrait of Anna Ries, who was married to Ludwig van Beethoven's violin teacher. A silhouette showing Helene and Eleonore von Breuning and a portrait of Jakob von Düsseldorf's wife, which can be seen in the basement of the museum, also served as models. The resulting ensemble, exhibited in the Mutter-Beethoven-Haus museum, consists of a dress in the style of the so-called “robe à l'anglaise” (English-style dress), as worn during the lifetime of Maria Magdalena van Beethoven by ladies of the nobility and the upper middle class, and an organza bonnet with large bows and satin ribbons. But it is not only the outer garment that corresponds to historical models from the second half of the 18th century, but also the undergarments. A bodice (laced bodice) and two voluminous petticoats were worn over a shirt. And the “robe à l'anglaise” also has a special feature, the “Cul de Paris” (i.e., the puffing up of the dress at the back of the body by means of two petticoats worn under the skirts). And a special feature of the "Robe à l'anglaise,“ the ”Cul de Paris" (i.e., the puffing up of the dress at the back of the body by means of two pads worn under the skirts), was not omitted either. However, these garments can only be seen at special presentations in the museum.

(HERE are more pictures of the new acquisition)

Excursion to Speyer on September 27, 2025

Association cronicle

Press release

Declaration of membership