Beethoven's birth & Death
Birth:
Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany on December 17,1770. He was known to have started music with his father who was a singer and instrumentalist. Just at eleven years old he was eligible to deputize for Neefe (Beethoven's first teacher who recognized his extraordinary talents). One year later at the age of twelve, Beethoven's music was published. He traveled to Vienna in 1787, yet he quickly returned because he heard the news that his mother was ill and dying. Five years after his mothers death he returned to Vienna to pursue his passion with music bringing his two brothers along. While he was there he studied with Joseph Haydn in 1792. From then on Beethoven lived in Vienna for the rest of his life.
Death and decline: |
Before his death however in 1802 he came to realization that he had impaired hearing and was notified that it would worsen and most likely incurable. When he heard this news he wrote a document (somewhat like a present day will) addressed both his brothers. in the document he announced that his death was near, along with his rapidly worsening impaired hearing. From this "tragedy" Beethoven became stronger and entered what is known as his "middle period". A large quantity of his works were written during this period. The music is categorized in this period through its unique heroic tone. Some of his works written in this tone include his "Eroica" Symphony, his opera "Fidelio", Symphony no. 5, as well as the three string quartets in this period. Beethoven died in Vienna on March 26, 1827.
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