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Ludwig van Beethoven 1770-1827 Birth and Young Life Born in Bonn, Germany, but no one knows the exact date. Most people assume he was born on December 16th His birthplace is now a Beethoven museum He was a child prodigy at the violin, piano and composing, which his father exploited. His first piece was written at age 12. Life of a Musician Was going to study under Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, but family health issues prevented him. Studied under Joseph Haydn for a time. Moved to Vienna; Mozart died shortly after; Beethoven was expected to become the next great composer. He also established himself as a piano virtuoso. He began going deaf around age 25. Was 30 when his First Symphony was performed. Composed many piano pieces, string quartets, concertos, and nine symphonies. Beethoven’s 3 Periods Early Period – 1st and 2nd Symphonies, string quartets, piano concerto 1 and 2 and around a dozen piano sonatas, including the “Pathetique”. More similar to Haydn and Mozart Middle Period – More emotional; many pieces express heroes and struggles. Symphony No. 3, Fidelio, his last piano concertos, piano sonatas like “Moonlight”, “Waldstein” and “Appassionata”. Late Period – Symphony No. 9, Missa Solemnis, string quartets and some of his most important and famous piano music. Characterised by its intellectual intensity. Other Facts “Moonlight” Sonata – one of Beethoven’s most famous pieces, wasn’t named “Moonlight” until 5 years after his death. Symphony No. 3 was originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte in admiration of the French Revolution, until Napoleon declared himself emperor. Beethoven ripped his dedication page and scrubbed out Napoleon's name so hard it created a hole in the music. He wrote one opera, “Fidelio”. He then reworked it over 10 years and gave us the version we perform today. Beethoven became completely deaf by age 46. Symphony No. 9 was the first symphony to feature a choir. He wrote it while completely deaf. Beethoven’s cause of death has never been confirmed, but most people believe it was due to his drinking. Beethoven’s Music “Moonlight” Sonata – Mvt. I Symphony No. 5 – Mvt. I Beethoven’s Music Cont. “Pathetique” Sonata – Mvt. II Symphony No. 9 - Mvt. IV: “Ode To Joy” Beethoven’s Music Cont. String Quartet No. 4 – Mvt. I Symphony No. 7 – Mvt. IV