What Are Beethoven's Major Accomplishments

Ludwig van Beethoven There were many composers in the Classical Period that inspired much of the classical music we listen to today. One of the most known classical composers is Ludwig van Beethoven. He was born around December 16, 1770 in Bonn, Germany to a family of musicians. The exact date of his birth is unknown; however, it is estimated to be within 24 hours of his baptism on December 17. Beethoven had six siblings but only two of his brothers survived into adulthood. At a very young age, Beethoven’s father began to teach him to play the clavier, violin, and organ. His father was a very abusive alcoholic, locking Beethoven away and even flogging him if his performance was not excellent. This, however, did not destroy Beethoven’s

In 1787, he had the opportunity to not only see Mozart in concert, but also to meet him. He returned home when his father became ill, losing his opportunity to practice music with Mozart. Once his father passed and his brothers could care for themselves, Beethoven, age 17, moved to Vienna, where he continued to study music with the best composer at that time: Joseph Haydn. This apprenticeship did not last long and evolved into a relationship of jealousy and competition. Ludwig Van Beethoven believed Hayden was envious of his ability to create masterpieces so he decided he would soon have to study

This jump started his first concert tour in which he performed pieces such as Two Cello Sonatas op. 5, the Piano Sonata in E-flat op. 7, the Three String Trios op. 9, and the Three Piano Sonatas op. 10. After about six years, Beethoven parted with Hayden, continuing his music career independently. In 1800, Beethoven released his Symphony No. 1 in C major, later rejecting his work stating, “‘In those days I did not know how to compose’” (Biograohy.com Editors). Soon after, Beethoven composed String Quartets op. 18, his stylings similar to that of Mozart and