Ludwig van Beethoven1770- 1827

“You will ask me where I get my IDEAs...

That I cannot tell you…

They come unsummoned, directly, indirectly…

Incited by moods which are translated by the poet

into WORDS,

By me into the TONES that sound, and roar

and storm about me

Until I have set them down in NOTES.”

- Beethoven, 1822

Early Life• Beethoven was born on December, 17, 1770, in Bonn, Germany.• His father, a singer and instrumentalist, was Beethoven’s first

teacher. His other teachers included Haydn and Salieri.• His father treated him harshly. Started teaching Beethoven when

he was just 4 years old. Father was not a good teacher and he got a new teacher at 8 years old.

• His first music was published when he was twelve years-old.

Beethoven-Beethoven-haus, Bonnhaus, Bonn

Now a Now a museummuseum

Beethoven’s Character

• Short, big head, hairy hands• His music matched his character. Gave people

goosebumps, was emotional and strong, not for dancing and parties.

• At 18, moved to Vienna to make a name for himself. Met Mozart. Mozart thought Beethoven was wonderful. After awhile moved back to Germany to take care of younger brothers because his father was irresponsible.

Beethoven’s Character

• At 22 moved back to Vienna to work and study with Haydn.

• Considered a ‘rock star’ of his time.• People thought he was crabby and unfriendly.• Slob, very messy. • Started going deaf at 30 years old, completely deaf by

50. May have contributed to his crabbiness. Still composed music.

• Always had a notebook with him so he could consistently compose. Would pour water over his head to help him stay awake so he could compose longer.

His Struggles and Works• In 1802, Beethoven realized that he was rapidly losing his hearing.

As a result of this realization, he became increasingly reclusive.• Nevertheless, he continued composing.• Unlike Haydn and other previous composers who relied on patrons,

Beethoven worked independently and earned a living from the sale of his works.

• Therefore, Beethoven was the first free-lance composer.

9th Symphony Manuscript

Later Life and Influence• Beethoven composed 9 complete symphonies, 32 piano sonatas,

overtures, and numerous chamber works.• His music lead the entire musical world into romanticism and

influenced the way in which pianos were built.• He was completely deaf while composing his 9th Symphony.• He died in Vienna on March 26, 1827 due to liver failure. Nearly

30,000 people attended his funeral.

“What I am, I am by myself. There are and will be a

thousand princes…

There is only one Beethoven.”

- Beethoven

Some music…• http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=_4IRMYuE1hI&feature=related

Symphony #5 – not Beethoven!!! 9 total symphonies.• http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=_C9RPUQ1vwQ&feature=related

Ode to Joy• http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=YAOTCtW9v0M&feature=related

Fur Elise• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVeaIHWWck

Moonlight Sonata