Ludwig van Beethoven 1770 1827 The Early Years

Ludwig van Beethoven 1770 -1827

The Early Years… n n Born on December 17, 1770 in Bonn, Germany Education: tutored by his father, an alcoholic musician who made Ludwig practice day and night Gave his first concert at 7 1/2 years of age. Why do you think Beethoven’s father pushed his son so hard to be successful at an early age?

Miscellaneous Facts n n Beethoven was an angry man; he often realized his errors and went to apologize to people Wrote an essay called the “Heiligenstadt Testment” that described the unfairness of his life and his fear of going deaf He struggled with financial, romantic and health problems throughout his life Was the bridge between the Classical and Romantic Periods

Final Years Beethoven was deaf by the time he was 45 n He caught a cold after returning from a trip, which made his health problems worse n He died on March 26, 1827 n Between 10, 000 -30, 000 people attended his funeral in Vienna n

Body of Work He published his first piece when he was 12 n He is most famous for his 9 symphonies, string quartets, and piano works n Beethoven only wrote one opera “Fidelio” n

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor Period: Classical n Country: Austria n Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, mvt. 1 n Genre: Orchestral n Form: Symphonic (No specific form) n

Beethoven page 31 n 1. Where have you heard this before? n 2. How many notes in the motive? n 4 notes (only 2 pitches) n 3. Beethoven’s Symphony more/less emotional than Haydn’s Surprise Symphony? Why?

Beethoven page 31 n n n 5. A _____ is a short musical idea upon which a melody is based. Motive 6. A _____ is when a motive is repeated starting on a different note. Sequence 7. Beethoven was physically challenged with the loss of his____. Hearing