Ludwig van Beethoven



Beethoven was a German composer, conductor and pianist mainly active in Vienna. He was a crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic periods of Western classical music. The Romantic period ran from 1820 to 1910. The essential feature of Romanticism is that music depicts emotion as well as nature and glorification of the past.

  • Born: 16th December 1770, Bonn, Germany
  • Died: 26th March 1827, Vienna, Austria
  • Family: Beethoven was first taught by his father Johann and later by Gottlob Neefe. Beethoven began public performances on the piano at the age of seven (even though the posters said he was six due to his father wanting to make more money from his son’s appearances).

Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven is most famous for his nine symphonies with his final symphony being his most famous.  The theme ‘Ode to Joy’, from Beethoven’s ninth symphony, is the European Union anthem.

Beethoven’s string quartets and piano sonatas are among his most famous works.  The Piano Sonata No. 14 ‘Moonlight Sonata’ is the most famous work ever written for piano.

Fascinating Fact

By the time the ninth symphony was performed, Beethoven had lost his hearing completely.

At the premiere, he had to be turned around to see the reaction of the audience as he could not hear either the applause or the orchestra perform the work.

Beethoven Symphony No. 5

Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor – Für Elise

Learning resources

Example questions:

  • Where and when was Mozart born?

  • Where and when did Beethoven die?

  • How old was J.S. Bach when he died?

  • What age was Mozart when he began to play publicly?

  • Who was Beethoven’s patron?

  • Approximately how many works did Mozart compose?

  • In what style did J.S. Bach write in?  Baroque, Classical or Romantic?

  • What was Beethoven’s most famous composition?

  • Why could the 1st movement of Bach’s Brandenburg concerto No. 2 be described as ‘Out of this world’?

  • I will play a piece of music from the nine options you have been researching.  Who composed it?  Bach, Mozart or Beethoven?

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