Beethoven's birthday postage stamp
On Tuesday, December 15 this year, a postage stamp from the issue "250th Anniversary of the Birth of Ludwig van Beethoven" will enter circulation.
The design's author, Bożydar Grozdew, depicted Ludwig van Beethoven on the stamp in graphic form based on a sketch by August von Kloeber from 1818. According to the stamp's designer, the musical notes, staves, and images were used to create a new compilation, an allegory of music that flows from the stamp, is in Beethoven's head, floats on his matted hair, and lives on – the composer emanates music. In addition to the stamp, Poczta Polska issued a limited edition First Day of Circulation (FDC) envelope. It features the musical notes and staves of one of the German master's compositions.
" In its philatelic issues, Poczta Polska does not forget about the world's cultural heritage. An example of honoring the world's greatest musical creators is the latest stamp issued to commemorate the birth anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven, a brilliant composer and one of the greatest and most talented creators in the history of music. One need only recall the famous "knock of fate at our door," the Fifth Symphony, also known as the Symphony of Destiny; the "Ode to Joy," the finale of the Ninth Symphony; "Für Elise"; and the "Moonlight Sonata" in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, to recognize this composer's genius. The subject of our latest stamp is proof that despite such great limitations and adversities—advancing deafness, depression, suicidal thoughts, isolation from his surroundings—through consistency and a persistent pursuit of perfection, one can overcome one's weaknesses." I believe that due to its unique aesthetic value, our issue will appeal not only to classical music lovers , says Wiesław Włodek, vice-president of Poczta Polska.
Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist – the last of the Viennese Classicists (the other two, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Joseph Haydn, died early). Despite the German master's music being considered part of the Classical style, he is also considered a forerunner of Romanticism in music. His work set the course for musical development throughout the 19th century. He owes his worldwide popularity primarily to his nine symphonies. Beethoven composed approximately 240 works, including piano concertos, string quartets, the aforementioned symphonies, and one opera. The German composer was a perfectionist whose works combined perfect form with palpable emotion, primarily based on perpetual struggle and heroism.
About the stamp:
stamp designer: Bożydar Grozdew
number of stamps: 1
value: PLN 3.30
circulation: 90,000 pcs
printing technique: offset
stamp format: 40.5 x 40.5 mm
sales sheet: 5 stamps + tag
paper: fluorescent
date of introduction into circulation: December 15, 2020
This and other philatelic publications can be purchased at post offices and online stores .