🎼 Beethoven or Birds? Europe’s New Banknotes Celebrate Culture — And SSM Celebrates with The Best of Beethoven

After 20 years of familiar architecture gracing Europe’s paper currency, the European Central Bank is turning a new page—literally. The EU has announced a cultural and artistic refresh of its euro banknotes, offering citizens the chance to choose between “Beethoven” or “Birds” as the main themes for the upcoming redesign.

Yes, you read that right: Beethoven or Birds. It’s a showdown between soaring melodies and soaring wings, between one of the greatest composers in history and the natural world’s most musical creatures.

The cultural concept led by German-born icon Ludwig van Beethoven is gaining particular traction. A symbol of unity, resilience, and creative genius, Beethoven represents a distinctly European legacy that has endured across centuries. Alongside him, the artistic contributions of European musicians—including figures like Greek-American soprano Maria Callas—have also been discussed as part of the broader cultural redesign themes.

🎵 Sunset Special Markets Celebrates with Classical Masterpieces: The Best of Beethoven

To mark this renewed spotlight on Europe’s musical heritage, Sunset Special Markets (SSM) is proud to feature a stunning release from its Sunset Classics & Jazz collection:
Classical Masterpieces: The Best of Beethoven—a rich, emotionally powerful anthology of Beethoven’s most beloved works, interpreted by some of today’s finest classical artists.

Track Highlights Include:

Adagio Sostenuto – Moonlight Sonata (Op.27, No.2)
🎹 Eliso Bokvadze
Allegretto – Tempest Sonata (Op.31, No.2)
🎹 Eliso Bokvadze
Romance for Violin and Orchestra No.2 in F Major (Op.50)
🎻 Isadora Schwarzberg, Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Cond. Saulius Sondeckis
Bagatelle in A minor ‘Für Elise’ (WoO 59)
🎹 Eliso Bokvadze
Adagio Cantabile – Sonata No.8 “Pathétique” (Op.13)
🎹 Eliso Bokvadze
Adagio Un Poco Mosso – Piano Concerto No.5 “Emperor” (Op.73)
🎹 Nodar Gubunia, Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra, Cond. Jansug Kakhidze
Allegro – Violin Sonata No.5 “Spring” (Op.24)
🎻 Ilya Ioff, 🎹 Igor Uljash
Allegro, Ma Non Tanto – Cello Sonata No.3 (Op.69)
🎻 Sergei Slovaschevsky, 🎹 Igor Uljash
Scherzo, Allegro Molto – Cello Sonata No.3 (Op.69)
🎻 Sergei Slovaschevsky, 🎹 Igor Uljash

Whether you’re new to classical music or a lifelong enthusiast, this compilation is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Beethoven’s emotional brilliance—now as relevant in cultural conversation as ever.

💶 From Concert Halls to Currency

As the public prepares to vote on the new euro note theme, one thing is clear: Beethoven’s legacy continues to resonate not only on stage but in the very fabric of European identity. Whether or not he appears on the next €50 note, his music remains priceless.

📀 Classical Masterpieces: The Best of Beethoven
Available now from Sunset Special Markets (SSM)
Explore the timeless works of a master who might soon be in your wallet—and already belongs in your collection.