Ludwig van Beethoven was a composer who was of his time, but also ahead of his time in many ways (Viegas, 2008). His life was dedicated to his music, which continues to be an inspiration in the music world today. Beethoven’s life was filled with amazing highs and crushing lows. Despite facing challenges, Beethoven always found a way to persevere. His music changed history.
Ludwig van Beethoven was believed to have been born on December 16, 1770 in Bonn in the Holy Roman Empire (Viegas, 2008). The precise day that Beethoven was born on is uncertain. In this time period, babies were baptized twenty-four hours after birth. Beethoven was baptized on December 17, so his birth date was thought to be December 16. Beethoven himself even believed
…show more content…
His first instruments were the violin, piano, and the harpsichord (Viegas, 2008). His father was very harsh in his teachings, affecting Beethoven for his entire life. Neighbors even claimed the boy would weep while playing the clavier as his father beat him every time he hesitated or made a mistake (Biography.com editors, n.d.). Beethoven was often beat then locked in the cellar, hardly getting any sleep so he could practice more (Biography.com editors, n.d.). With Beethoven being so young during his father’s harsh teachings, many wonder if his fixation on music was from his love of his music or from a drive his father drilled into him (Viegas, 2008). Some say that both must have come together to create a child of exceptional talent.
Beethoven was disheveled and unorganized. His hair was always a mess and he was often not bathed. His clothing was always torn or covered in holes. Beethoven was even said to have been “emotionally withdrawn” (Viegas, 2008). He was also thought to have a mild form of dyslexia, even himself claiming “Music comes to me more readily than words.” (Biography.com editors, n.d.). Although his appearance may have been different from composers like Mozart, his music was most important to
…show more content…
Since his father couldn’t finance the family anymore, Beethoven took it upon himself and applied to be an Assistant Court Organist (Biography.com editors, n.d.). Even though he was young, he was accepted and would receive a salary of one hundred fifty florins (Biography.com editors, n.d.). In 1787, Beethoven was sent to Vienna to further his music. Beethoven had hoped to study with Mozart. Little evidence shows that the two did meet, but anecdotes show otherwise (Viegas, 2008). Despite this, after hearing Beethoven play, Mozart claimed, “Keep your eyes on him; some day he will give the world something to talk about.” (Biography.com editors, n.d.). Hearing news of his mother becoming ill, Beethoven returned home. His mother died a couple days after he