Beethoven, one of the greatest musicians of all time was baptized on December 17, 1770 at Bonn. His ancestors were originally from Belgium. His father was a musician and Beethoven was one of his seven children, but three only survived - among them, Beethoven.
Beethoven was introduced into the music at an early age, with his father teaching him day and night. His father saw his talent very soon, that his son was a child prodigy. He made his first public appearance at the age of seven and a half, the date being March 26th 1778. He started learning music under the able guidance of Christian Gottlob Neefe. Neefe recognized that he was teaching a genius and introduced him also to philosophy and taught him composition.
His first work '9 variations, in C Minor' for Piano was published in 1782. He was 14 when he was given a job as 'Organist of the court of Maximilian Franz', the Elector of Cologne. He made new friends in this post and some of them included the Ries family and the von Breuning family.
His new job found him in more responsibility for the needs of his family and he was sent to Vienna by his employer, Maximilian Franz to meet Mozart. Though he could study in Vienna only in 1792, the able guidance of teachers like Joseph Haydn made him hone his skills.
The first symphony which he composed in 1800 was considered strange for that period of time, but it became known that this young person was interested in laying new boundaries of music.
In 1801, he came to know about one of the greatest tragedies that was about to strike in his life - he was becoming deaf. This grief allowed him to compose some of his greatest works - the symphony 'Eroica' which was played for the first time in 1805 and many more. In 1801, he completed his ballet, 'The Creatures of Prometheus.' His first and last opera was 'Fidelio' which he wrote in 1805. The rewriting of this classic was done in 1814 and it was played before the public.
He wanted to leave Vienna in 1809, but his friends, namely the Countess Anna Marie and Archbishop Rudolph and some others paid him a great amount of money on the condition that he was not to leave Vienna. This act made him the honor of being the first independent composer, as during that period, even distinguished musicians like Mozart was part of the contract under the ownership of wealthy aristocratic families. But Beethoven was free to write what he wanted under no restriction of time as his wishes.
In the early stage of his career, he started composing music according to the likes of the people who were immersed in the style of Mozart and Haydn. His creative genius made him abandon his styles and he developed his own style which involved romanticism. In April 1810, he wrote the romantic composition, 'Bagatelle in A minor' which became renowned as 'Für Elise'. His letter 'The Immortal Beloved' which he wrote remains a mystery as the identity of the woman remains unsolved.
Some of Beethoven's best creative works were composed during this time and their names were 'Pastoral', 'Corolian Overture' and 'Letter for Elise'. In the month of July 1812, he met the famous poet, Goethe and used many of his poems for music. When one of his friend and patron, Prince Lobkowitz died, his descendant stopped the funds for Beethoven which made Beethoven struggle on his financial independence.
Johann Nepomuk Maelzel, the Czech who invented metronome, created various devices for helping Beethoven with his hearing. In 1813, he and Beethoven together performed in several concerts.
When the Congress of Vienna met to decide the future of Europe after Napoleon, Beethoven was called many times to play his regular symphonies which brought him fame and recognition. The ninth symphony was completed in 1823 and when it was played on May 7, 1824 it became a success even though the composer faced financial problems.
He caught cold during a stormy night in 1827 and this aggravated his other health problems. This great music composer passed away on March 26, 1827.
Some of his famous works include the First, Second, Third to Nine symphonies, the battle symphony (Wellington Victory), 32 piona sonatas out of which - Pathétique, Moonlight, Waldstein are most famous. His 'Missa Solemnis' was a highly religious composition in nature.
In 1972, as a mark of respect, his 'Ode to Joy' from Symphony no.9 has been adopted as the European National Anthem. Although, he has composed nine symphonies, orchestras all over the world are playing his music.
Beethoven was introduced into the music at an early age, with his father teaching him day and night. His father saw his talent very soon, that his son was a child prodigy. He made his first public appearance at the age of seven and a half, the date being March 26th 1778. He started learning music under the able guidance of Christian Gottlob Neefe. Neefe recognized that he was teaching a genius and introduced him also to philosophy and taught him composition.
His first work '9 variations, in C Minor' for Piano was published in 1782. He was 14 when he was given a job as 'Organist of the court of Maximilian Franz', the Elector of Cologne. He made new friends in this post and some of them included the Ries family and the von Breuning family.
His new job found him in more responsibility for the needs of his family and he was sent to Vienna by his employer, Maximilian Franz to meet Mozart. Though he could study in Vienna only in 1792, the able guidance of teachers like Joseph Haydn made him hone his skills.
The first symphony which he composed in 1800 was considered strange for that period of time, but it became known that this young person was interested in laying new boundaries of music.
In 1801, he came to know about one of the greatest tragedies that was about to strike in his life - he was becoming deaf. This grief allowed him to compose some of his greatest works - the symphony 'Eroica' which was played for the first time in 1805 and many more. In 1801, he completed his ballet, 'The Creatures of Prometheus.' His first and last opera was 'Fidelio' which he wrote in 1805. The rewriting of this classic was done in 1814 and it was played before the public.
He wanted to leave Vienna in 1809, but his friends, namely the Countess Anna Marie and Archbishop Rudolph and some others paid him a great amount of money on the condition that he was not to leave Vienna. This act made him the honor of being the first independent composer, as during that period, even distinguished musicians like Mozart was part of the contract under the ownership of wealthy aristocratic families. But Beethoven was free to write what he wanted under no restriction of time as his wishes.
In the early stage of his career, he started composing music according to the likes of the people who were immersed in the style of Mozart and Haydn. His creative genius made him abandon his styles and he developed his own style which involved romanticism. In April 1810, he wrote the romantic composition, 'Bagatelle in A minor' which became renowned as 'Für Elise'. His letter 'The Immortal Beloved' which he wrote remains a mystery as the identity of the woman remains unsolved.
Some of Beethoven's best creative works were composed during this time and their names were 'Pastoral', 'Corolian Overture' and 'Letter for Elise'. In the month of July 1812, he met the famous poet, Goethe and used many of his poems for music. When one of his friend and patron, Prince Lobkowitz died, his descendant stopped the funds for Beethoven which made Beethoven struggle on his financial independence.
Johann Nepomuk Maelzel, the Czech who invented metronome, created various devices for helping Beethoven with his hearing. In 1813, he and Beethoven together performed in several concerts.
When the Congress of Vienna met to decide the future of Europe after Napoleon, Beethoven was called many times to play his regular symphonies which brought him fame and recognition. The ninth symphony was completed in 1823 and when it was played on May 7, 1824 it became a success even though the composer faced financial problems.
He caught cold during a stormy night in 1827 and this aggravated his other health problems. This great music composer passed away on March 26, 1827.
Some of his famous works include the First, Second, Third to Nine symphonies, the battle symphony (Wellington Victory), 32 piona sonatas out of which - Pathétique, Moonlight, Waldstein are most famous. His 'Missa Solemnis' was a highly religious composition in nature.
In 1972, as a mark of respect, his 'Ode to Joy' from Symphony no.9 has been adopted as the European National Anthem. Although, he has composed nine symphonies, orchestras all over the world are playing his music.
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