Essay on Beethoven

Essay on Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven is recognized by many as the greatest composer who ever lived.
Beethoven was baptized on December 17, 1770 (his exact date of birth is unknown) in Bonn,
Germany and died on March 26, 1827 in Vienna, Austria.   Beethoven, a German composer,
was a predominant musical figure during the transitional period between the Classical and
Romantic eras of music history.   Beethoven was recognized for his musical talents at an early
age.   He was admired by many in the musical and aristocratic world and his musical works,
became universally, but endured personal hardships and challenges throughout his life.   During
his life the contemporary social, political, and economic climate was influenced by The French
Revolution.   Lastly, I will look at Beethoven’s music and express my personal views on his
classical works.   Let’s begin with the life and career of Ludwig Beethoven.
    Ludwig Beethoven’s life and career were full of successes as a composer and musician, yet
many personal hardships.   Ludwig was born in Bonn, Germany, the second-oldest child of the
court musician and tenor singer Johann van Beethoven.   Ludwig's father, a musician and an alcoholic knew Ludwig possessed a musical gift and would return from late nights of drinking and awaken Ludwig and drilled him with the ambition of showcasing him as a Mozart, child prodigy.   His mother was always described as a gentle, retiring woman, with a warm heart.   Beethoven referred to her as his "best friend."   On March 26, 1778, at the age of seven and a half, Beethoven gave his first public performance as a pianist, at Cologne.   The teaching talents of Beethoven’s father were limited.   Ludwig learned music, notably the organ and composition by renowned musicians, such as Gottlob Neefe.   Neefe recognized the extraordinarily talents of Beethoven.   In 1782, before the age of 12, Beethoven published his first work: 9 variations, in C minor, for Piano, on a march by Ernst Christopher...