Ludwig von Beethoven

Ludwig von Beethoven was born in Bonn,

Germany in 1770. He came up with new,

thrilling and expressive ways of writing music that

changed the history of music forever.

Beethoven grew up during a time in history known as the Age of

Enlightenment. For the first time in hundreds of years, writer, artists and

everyday people had new respect of

education, science, honesty, new ideas and the beauty of nature.

People in America and France started

revolutions against their kings and queens to

gain freedom.

Beethoven’s father and grandfather were

singers and musicians. Mr.

Beethoven knew right away that his son had a lot of musical talent.

When Ludwig was only four years old, his father started

teaching him to play the piano.

Unfortunately, Mr. Beethoven wasn’t a very good father or teacher. He often drank too much

alcohol and worked Ludwig very hard and some considered him cruel. It seemed he didn’t care about his son’s future as much

as he did about making himself

famous by being the father of a great

musician.

Fortunately, when Beethoven was around 8 years old, the prince of Bonn hired an excellent

organist named Christian Neefe to play in his court.

Mr. Neefe heard Beethoven play and knew

he would be a great musician someday. He

began teaching Beethoven in a kinder,

more caring way. When Ludwig was only 12,

Christian would sometimes leave

Beethoven in charge of playing the organ and

conducting the orchestra by himself.

Christian Neefe

When Beethoven was around 18, the prince of Bonn sent Beethoven to Vienna, Austria which

was the center of music at that time. Beethoven was able to meet and play for Mozart, who

thought he was extraordinary. Beethoven

hoped to study with Mozart, but his mother

had become seriously ill so he returned home to

be with her.

Ludwig’s mother died shortly after he arrived in Bonn. Later he returned to Austria. By this time, Mozart had also died, but Beethoven studied with Franz Joseph Haydn and other excellent teachers. He began to compose music and gave concerts. He became very famous not only for his music, but for his extraordinary piano playing. He became as popular as any rock star is today. Franz Joseph Haydn

"Ode to Joy“ is an ode written in 1785 by the German poet, playwright and historian Friedrich Schiller, celebrating the brotherhood and unity of all mankind. It is best known for its musical setting in D major by Ludwig van Beethoven in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony (completed in 1824), a choral symphony for orchestra, four solo voices and choir.

The Beethoven setting was adopted as the Anthem of Europe by the Council of Europe in 1972.

Beethoven’s score of Ode to Joy

Beethoven had many musical successes throughout his

life. However he also had a lot of problems. He was

always deeply troubled by the way his father had

brought him up. Secondly, he ever could find the right

girl to marry. As many times as he fell in love, it never worked out. The

worst thing though, was just when he was writing his

greatest music, he began to lose his hearing.

Beethoven lived to be 57 years old. 20,000 Viennese people lined

the streets when he died to honor him.

The great composer Franz Schubert was

one of the torch bearers in his funeral procession and was later buried next to

him. Beethoven wrote many different types

of music, but is probably best known for his 9 symphonies.

What is the overarching idea?

The Life Ludwig von Beethoven

What are the main ideas?

The Life of Ludwig von Beethoven

Native Country and Year of Birth

Childhood .

Adult Life Famous Music

What are the main ideas?

The Life of Ludwig von Beethoven

Native Country and Year of Birth

Childhood .

Adult Life Famous Music

•Born in Bonn, Germany•1770

What are the main ideas?

The Life of Ludwig von Beethoven

Native Country and Year of Birth

Childhood .

Adult Life Famous Music

•Born in Bonn, Germany•1770

• Beethoven’s father and grandfather were musicians.• His father was a cruel, alcoholic.•Christian Neefe recognized Beethoven’s talent and was a wonderful teacher.•Beethoven became a brilliant pianist.

What are the main ideas?The Life of Ludwig von Beethoven

Native Country and Year of Birth

Childhood .

Adult Life Famous Music

•Born in Bonn, Germany•1770

• Beethoven’s father and grandfather were musicians.• His father was a cruel, alcoholic.•Christian Neefe recognized Beethoven’s talent and was a wonderful teacher.•Beethoven became a brilliant pianist.

•At age 18, Beethoven began a European Tour•He met Mozart and hoped to study with him.•He studied with Haydn and became a gifted composer and pianist.•He was very famous during his lifetime.

What are the main ideas?The Life of Ludwig von Beethoven

Native Country and Year of Birth

Childhood .

Adult Life Famous Music

•Born in Bonn, Germany•1770

• Beethoven’s father and grandfather were musicians.• His father was a cruel, alcoholic.•Christian Neefe recognized Beethoven’s talent and was a wonderful teacher.•Beethoven became a brilliant pianist.

•At age 18, Beethoven began a European Tour•He met Mozart and hoped to study with him.•He studied with Haydn and became a gifted composer and pianist.•He was very famous during his lifetime.

•Beethoven is famous for many different kinds of music, but especially his piano music and 9 symphonies•Beethoven only wrote one opera.