Bert Steenbergen
Bert Steenbergen

Column Bert Steenbergen: Für Elise?

Beethoven and the Maria Montessori building, what do they have in common? More than you think, as vice dean Bert Steenbergen's column shows. Soon you will be able to bring out your inner Ludwig yourself!

Music connects people, which is perhaps why around 90% of all songs ever made are about love. In 1810, Beethoven composed 'Für Elise', allegedly for Therese, whom he wanted to ask for her hand in marriage. Unfortunately for Beethoven, he was rejected. But not all is lost! We now know that making music together makes our brains produce oxytocin, the 'love hormone' that makes us feel connected to others. Thus, music creates a sense of belonging and connection.

Connection is also one of the elements of personal leadership, alongside courage and openness. We can learn this in courses, but we can also just implement it. Hence, from 8 until 19 May, there will be a piano at the entrance to the Maria Montessori building. Everyone is welcome to play a tune on it. Maybe that will be Beethoven's Für Elise, which was not his most difficult or virtuoso piano piece. Or perhaps a combination of 3 chords, with which hundreds of songs can be performed. But, of course, this will take some courage...

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Faculty of Social Sciences