Ludwig van BeethovenLudwig van Beethoven1770- 1827

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

old.

Beethoven-haus, Bonn

Now a museum

His Struggles and His Struggles and WorksWorks

• 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 Later Life and InfluenceInfluence

• 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. 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 of his WorksSome of his Works• 32 Piano Sonatas

o Moonlight Sonatao Sonata Pathetique

• Fur Elise• Fidelio (his only opera)• 9 Symphonies

o Choral Symphony …#9 (Ode to Joy)o Beethoven’s Fifth …#5o Pastorale …..#6

Some of his WorksSome of his Works• Beethoven Symphony No.9 • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAOTCtW9v0M

• Beethoven Moonlight Sonata • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVeaIHWWck

• Beethoven Fur elise • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQTTFUtMSvQ

• Beethoven's 5th Symphony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4IRMYuE1hI