LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
BORN December 16, 1770, Bonn, Germany DIED March 26, 1827, Vienna, Austria
Biography Beethoven began his musical schooling when he was a small child. Both his father and grandfather were musicians at the Court of the Elector of Cologne, which was based in Beethoven’s hometown of Bonn. Although Symphony No. 8, Ludwig’s father began his son’s musical education, Mvt. II. Allegretto it was clear that the boy had surpassed his father’s Scherzando abilities by the age of nine. By age 12, Beethoven had composed his first work of music. In his young adult life, Ludwig worked as a conductor and organist for the court band. Like many other composers, Beethoven traveled to Vienna, Austria to find inspiration. Here, he played for famous musicians such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn, who later became some of his mentors. Beethoven was very restless, always jumping from one composition to another. His musical ideas frequently became fused together in the chaos, creating some of his most Beethoven was known for having memorable works. As an a hot temper and occasionally adult, he began to lose lashing out at his fans. his hearing. Although this He was very fond of nature and loss was devastating, he often took long walks in the continued to compose for countryside to find inspiration. nearly 25 more years until he died in 1827.
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Fun Facts
Beethoven often dipped his head in cold water before composing!
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