1. Ludwig Van Beethoven

2. Beethoven’s Early Life
Date of birth is uncertain
Baptized December 17th 1770
He believes he was born on a different date
The birthdate of Ludwig Van Beethoven is uncertain, however, he was baptized on December 17th 1770 in Bonn, Germany. This is somewhat of an interesting point because he himself mistakenly thought that he was born 2 years later in Even when he was presented with irrefutable evidence that he was born in 1770 he still maintained his position that he was born in 1772.

3. Growing up Beethoven admired his grandfather most
His father began teaching him music
His father’s brutality greatly affected Beethoven
Student of the clavier, violin, and organ
Considered a child prodigy
Beethoven’s father, Johann, possessed some musical ability and was a court singer. However, Beethoven’s grandfather, Kapellmeister Ludwig van Beethoven, was famous in the city of Bonn for his exceptional musical talent. This is the person that Beethoven most admired in his youth. Beethoven’s father began teaching him music with much brutality. This greatly affected him throughout his life. Their neighbors witnessed the young Beethoven crying as he played the clavier while his father beat him for each slight mistake. There are several accounts of Beethoven being beaten nearly on a daily basis. In addition to the physical abuse he took from his father, he was often times be deprived of sleep for a few extra hours of practice. In addition to the clavier, he was a student of the violin and the organ. At a young age he was considered a child prodigy that would show extreme creativeness in his music.

4. Early Life His father set up Beethoven’s first recital
He was regarded as average at best in school
“Not a sign was to be discovered of that spark of genius which glowed so brilliantly in him afterwards”
“Music comes to me more readily than words.”
Quit school at age 10
Beethoven’s father hoped his son would become the next Mozart. This is perhaps the reason for his torturous methodology of teaching his son the art of music. He set up Beethoven’s first recital on March 26, The title of this recital was “Little son of six years”. He played well but his performance didn’t garner the attention of any of the press at the time. A classmate of his is credited for saying, “Not a sign was to be discovered of that spark of genius which glowed so brilliantly in him afterwards” (biography.com). In school, he struggled with numbers and spelling. Records, including the aforementioned quote from a classmate, show that Beethoven was, at best, an average student. He is quoted as saying, “Music comes to me more readily than words.” (biography.com).When he was only 10 years old he quit school to study music on a full time basis with Christian Gottlob Neefe. Neefe is responsible for the introduction of Bach to young Beethoven. Beethoven was only 12 years old when he published his first composition.

5. First Masterpiece Studied with Mozart
“Keep your eyes on him; some day he will give the world something to talk about” –Mozart
Composed a musical memorial for the late Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II
Memorial now considered to be his earliest masterpiece.
Beethoven was sent to Vienna to study with Mozart in Upon hearing the young Beethoven’s audition, Mozart said, “Keep your eyes on him; some day he will give the world something to talk about” (biography.com). The 19 year old Beethoven was chosen to compose a musical memorial for the late Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II. For reasons unknown, Beethoven never ended up performing this memorial. However, more than a hundred years later, Johannes Brahms discovered the piece that was to be performed for the emperor. It was called Cantata on the Death of Emperor Joseph II. This is now considered to be his earliest masterpiece.

6. Europe’s best composer
Studied with Joseph Haydn, Antonio Salieri, and Johann Albrechtsberger
Public debut in Vienna on March 29, 1795
“first” piano concerto in C Major
Debut Symphony No. 1 in C Major
Symphony No. 3, his greatest work to date
“ One of the most original, most sublime, and most profound products that the entire genre of music has ever exhibited”
Beethoven’s mentor, Mozart, died in This left the grieving Beethoven to study music from the best remaining musicians at the time. He studied piano with Joseph Haydn, vocal composition with Antonio Salieri, and counterpoint with Johann Albrechtsberger. Beethoven finally made his public debut in Vienna on March 29, It is not known for certain which concerti he performed, however, it is widely believed that it was his “first” piano concerto in C Major. 5 years later on April 2, 1800 Beethoven’s debut Symphony No. 1 in C Major was performed at the Royal Imperial Theatre. The Beauty and success of this symphony catapulted him to Europe’s best composer. It is interesting to note that Beethoven himself later said of this symphony, “In those days I did not know how to compose” (biography.com). In 1804 Beethoven debuted his Symphony No. 3. This was later renamed to “Eroica Symphony”. This was considered his greatest work at the time. A reviewer was quoted as saying, “ One of the most original, most sublime, and most profound products that the entire genre of music has ever exhibited” (biography.com).

7. Life Difficulties Beethoven lost his hearing
“I must confess that I lead a miserable life. For almost two years I have ceased to attend any social functions, just because I find it impossible to say to people: I am deaf. If I had any other profession, I might be able to cope with my infirmity; but in my profession it is a terrible handicap”
Despite his handicap Beethoven
composed at an extraordinary rate
During this time period, Beethoven was suffering from something he greatly feared, hearing loss. At this time, it was to the point that he had extreme difficulties hearing during normal conversation. What is so amazing is that during this very time of deafness ( ) he was composing at an extraordinary rate. This included an opera, six symphonies, four solo concerti, five string quartets, six string sonatas, seven piano sonatas, five sets of piano variations, four overtures, four trios, two sextets, and 72 songs.

8. Personality He was reportedly lonely and miserable Short tempered
Greedy
Paranoid
In love with a married woman
Beethoven’s grand music was not a reflection of himself nor his personal life. He was reportedly lonely and miserable much of his adult life. He is cited as being short tempered, greedy, and paranoid. He hardly got along with anyone. There is a report where he tried to break a chair of the head of one of his closest friends, Prince Lichnowsky. In another incident involving a prince Beethoven stood in Prince Lobkowitz’s place shouting, “Lobkowitz is a donkey!” Typically to attract a mate one must have a great personality, physical attractiveness, or both. Unfortunately for Beethoven, he possessed neither of these traits. This is perhaps why he never married or had children. He was, however, in love with a married woman to whom he wrote an extensive love letter only to never send it.

9. Final Works Missa Solemnis Quartet No. 14 The Ninth Symphony
Despite all of his handicaps, Beethoven composed his greatest music toward the end of his life. One of his greatest achievements came in 1824 called Missa Solemnis. Quartet No. 14 was also composed in this same time period. Part of the greatness of this piece was that it contains 7 movements played together without a break was also the year of Beethoven’s Ninth symphony. This was to be his last. The finale of this symphony features four vocal soloists and a chorus singing the words to the poem “Ode to Joy”. This is widely considered the most famous piece of music ever.

10. Beethoven’s Death Died on March 26, 1827 56 years old
Post-hepatitic cirrhosis of the liver
Ludwig Van Beethoven died on March 26, 1827, he was 56 years old. An autopsy was performed and showed that his death was caused by post-hepatitic cirrhosis of the liver. Beethoven is largely considered the greatest composer in history. His compositions were truly works of art. What adds to the astonishment of his musical career is that most of his best works were composed when he was completely deaf. He is credited with bridging the gap of the Classical and Romantic ages in music and will forever be remembered for his brilliant masterpieces.

11. Beethoven’s 5th Symphony

12. The Symphony’s Debut Composed during 1804-08
Premiered in Vienna on December 22, 1808
Theater was extremely cold
Performed during third hour of a 4 hour long program
The orchestra played it terribly at first
The masterpiece known as Beethoven’s 5th symphony was composed during It premiered in the Theater an der Wein in Vienna on December 22, It is interesting to note that it was not instantly recognized as the world’s greatest musical composition. This is, perhaps, due to the conditions in which it was performed. Firstly, the theater was extremely cold, not to mention it wasn’t performed until the third hour of a 4 hour long program. It has been noted that the orchestra played it so terribly that Beethoven, who was also the conductor and pianist, forced everyone to stop playing during the middle of a passage and start all over. However, despite the less-than ideal circumstances in which this symphony debuted, it went onto become the most famous and recognizable symphony ever composed.

13. Marvels of The Symphony
“opens the realm of the colossal and immeasurable to us…evokes terror, fright, horror, and pain, and awakens that endless longing that is the essence of Romanticism.”
Beethoven was completely deaf when this was composed
Made Beethoven the best composer of all time
Two years after its debut, a critic named E.T.A. Hoffman was quoted as saying regarding the symphony that it “opens the realm of the colossal and immeasurable to us…evokes terror, fright, horror, and pain, and awakens that endless longing that is the essence of Romanticism.” The music in this symphony speaks for itself in regards to the brilliant and artistic manner by which it was composed. It is pleasing to the musical connoisseur yet also appreciated by the novice. Only adding to the amazement of this piece is that Beethoven, at this point in his life, was completely deaf. For anyone to compose such a work of art is beyond normal human ability but then add to it that he was deaf is almost incomprehensible and speaks volumes of his genius. After the public caught hold of just how incredible and amazing this symphony was he was soon regarded as the best composer of all time, passing up the likes of Mozart and Haydn.

14. The Symphony In Mainstream
World War II era broadcasts
“A Fifth of Beethoven”
Beethoven Movies
Since its first notes echoed in the Viennese theater that night in 1808, Beethoven’s 5th symphony has been a staple of mainstream entertainment in a variety of forms. According to history.com the first 4 notes were used in World War II era broadcasts of the BBC because those notes resembled the letter “V” in Morse code which symbolized “Victory”. The famous notes were also used in the disco song “A Fifth of Beethoven” by Walter Murphy. Ever since those notes were first released they have been recognizable and have forever engrained themselves into the fabric of society.

15. Listening Guide 0:00 – 2:54 Movement 1 Sonata-allegro form
Infamous four notes start off the symphony in C minor
Cadence
rich texture
bridge begins with a French horn solo
Light Timbre
Theme II is introduced
Motif A is played throughout by the contrabass.
Crescendo
0:00 - 0:16 Movement 1
This movement is in sonata-allegro form. Theme one begins with the infamous four notes to start off the symphony in C minor. These four notes are referred to as Motif A. They set the tone for the remainder of the piece. These are the familiar notes that bring to mind the brilliance of this work. They hit twice in a slightly different octave.
0:17 – 0:42 There is a cadence at this point. The four notes that started out this piece strike again. This time the violins are faster, it seems more frantic. The brass section is loud. There is a rich texture here with all of the different instruments playing together. The timbre of this piece is that of a minor tone.
0:43 – 1:05 The song slows down. The bridge begins with a French horn solo for a few seconds then the violins come back into play. The timbre is noticeably lighter, it changes from the C minor key into E flat major. Theme II is introduced.
1:06 – 1:22 Motif A is played throughout by the contrabass.
1:23 – 1:57 The famous 4 notes hit again closing the exposition.
1:58 – 2:27 Here we have the middle of the crescendo building up and up before there is the release of that tension caused by the texture that almost causes feelings of anxiety.
2:28 – 2:54 This section really shows the dynamics of the song with the combination of soft and slow to loud and fast.

16. Listening Guide 2:55 – 6:51 Development of Motif A
Fermata by clarinets
Mild crescendos
The bridge motif is used
Slow to medium to fast paced
The bridge motif is used again. This is done as a reminder of the bridge from the exposition.
Recapitulation signifying the return of Theme I in C minor
Crescendos
Theme II comes in at C major
Forte
Coda
2:55 – 3:27 The development begins at 3:07 with Motif A being played by the horns and clarinets. Right after Motif A sounds, the clarinets let out a fermata. It starts slow then the faster, slightly higher pitched violins come in. There are more mild crescendos happening here.
3:28 – 4:08 The bridge motif is used. After this slight break in the quick and loud instruments it goes right back into it. The main difference I noticed in this section is the texture. Here there is everything from slow to medium to fast paced music.
4:09 – 4:34 This section of the song is reminiscent of the many of the previous ones. It starts off breaking back into the loud forte then gradually reverts back to the softer, lower melody only to go back to the stronger sounds of the violins, brass, and drums. The bridge motif is used again.
4:35 – 5:02 Here we have the recapitulation as the tonic key is used signifying the return of Theme I in C minor. The timbre makes a change here back to the lighter side. The violin comes back to take center stage again so to speak. There are gradual and short crescendos running throughout this section.
5:19 – 5:50 Then the inevitable gradual build up starts happening again as Theme II comes in at C major.
5:51 – 6:24 Here the slow melody peaks and breaks in the faster, descending violin and trumpet. This song is full of these peaks and valleys of slow to fast and vice versa. Here we have the coda creating the illusion that the symphony will end.
6:25 – 6:51 The lighter, softer tune of the violin hits the four starting notes again. This time it sounds as though it’s more in the background. I probably would have missed it if I hadn’t been paying such close attention. This shows that the form of this symphony stays the same throughout the whole movement.

17. Listening Guide 6:52 – 12:27 Contrast in the piece
Gradual rise in melody
Famous four notes played with more force and slower tempo
The second movement starts
Movement II is in the Theme and Variations form
Theme A is introduced in A-flat major
Theme B introduced in A-flat major
Slow and soft rhythm
Major chord
Variation 1. Theme A in A-flat major
Variation 1. Theme B
6:52 – 7:15 Here there is something that seems different from the rest of the form of the music. There is an interval where the violin plays a series of four notes up then a series of four notes down.
7:16 The melody gradually rises in speed and intensity with the last note of the highest point being the first note in the series of the four famous notes that are again played here following another cadence. The difference here is that they are played with more force and at a slower tempo.
7:41 – 7:50 There is silence here to signify the end of the first movement.
7:51 – 8:16 The second movement starts. Movement II is in the Theme and Variations form which means there are two separate themes. It already has a stark contrast compared to the first movement. A soft, slow violin enters and carries an almost major sounding chord. The melody picks up when a slightly faster, higher pitched violin comes in. Theme A is introduced in A-flat major.
8:17 – 8:45 A higher pitched violin comes in and is the only instrument for a while. This is Theme B in A-flat major. The texture light and the timbre is higher as well with the playing of the violas. The Rhythm is slow and soft. It does, however, pick up slightly toward the end of this section.
9:13 – 9:43 The timbre is still quite different here than in the first movement as it is a major sounding chord and sounds somewhat triumphant. There is the beginning of a slight build toward the end of this section.
9:44 – 10:23 Variation 1. The viola and cello sound out Theme A in A-flat major.
10:24 – 10:54 Variation 1. Theme B is played by the clarinets. The timbre stays major.
10:55 – 11:25 The tempo is still slow here. The notes aren’t as long. A few notes are played followed by a short rest where it picks back up and repeats the same melody for a while.
11:26 – 11:56 A very high pitched violin comes in. The pitch slowly gets higher and higher until a loud note hits. This makes it sound much more intense.
11:57 – 12:27 The resolute sounding melody gradually fades into a soft, slow tempo with much longer notes.

18. Bibliography
"Bio.com." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 24 Feb
"History.com." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 23 Feb