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Beethoven's Birth
Ludwig van Beethoven was born around December 16, 1770 in the small town of Bonn, Germany. His father was named Johann van Beethoven, a harsh man who struggled with alcoholism, and his mother was named Maria Magdalena van Beethoven. This event is significant because it marks the birth of one of the greatest composers of all time. A man who would go on to influence and change the style of classical music, and help guide the shift from the classical era to the romantic era. Source: (Jacobs 11) -
Declaration of Independence Signed
On July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, The Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. In the document the Continental Congress declared America independent from Great Britain. This event is significant because it leads to the American revolution, and it is one of the first steps to America's independence from Britain. Source: (history.com) -
Beethoven Meets Neefe
Sometime in 1780, Beethoven met Christian Gottlob Neefe, a court organist who became Beethoven's first full-time teacher. Neefe was impressed by Beethoven's talent, and believed he had potential to be the next Mozart. Neefe helped Beethoven by tutoring Beethoven, and helping get necessary experience. This event is significant because Neefe became a huge influence on Beethoven and is one of the main reasons Beethoven became successful. Source: (Knapp, Budden) -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was negotiated on September 3, 1783 and it marks the end of the American Revolution. The treaty, negotiated between the United States and Great Britain, recognized American independence, and ended the conflict between the United States and Great Britain. This event is significant because it resulted in the formation of the United States of America, and marked the creation of one of the greatest nations on Earth. (history.com) -
Constitution Ratified
After it became apparent there were too many issues with the Articles of Confederation, the United States' first constitution, the Constitutional Convention met to create a new one. On June 21, 1788 New Hampshire became the last state to vote to ratify the Constitution, and it was officially ratified. This event is significant because it marks the creation of the American government that we know today, and it became the basis for one of the first successful democracies. Source: (history.com) -
Formation of the National Assembly
In France on June 13, 1789, representatives of the third estate broke away from the Estates General and formed their own legislative body called the National Assembly. They were fed up with their lack of power in the government and with letting the upper class walk all over them. This event is significant because it marked a change in the French Government, and that the working class weren't going to take the injustices anymore, and it eventually led to a revolution. Source: (Grun, Stein 455) -
Storming of the Bastille
On July 14, 1789 an angry mob gathered outside the old prison named the Bastille. The mob stormed the prison and killed the guards, getting weapons and gunpowder. This event is significant because it symbolized the end of the kings power because the Bastille represented the king's power. By storming it they are symbolically saying they won't live under the king's rule anymore. It is also significant because it marks the start of the French Revolution. Source: (history.com) -
Beethoven Moves to Vienna
On November 10, 1792 Beethoven arrived in Vienna, Austria and began living there. In Vienna Beethoven began gathering a reputation, and putting himself on a path to fame. He played for aristocrats and nobles, and composed. Beethoven also studied with many other famous composers, such as Joseph Haydn. This event is significant because it marks the beginning of Beethoven's rise to fame, and it gave Beethoven experience in the musical world he needed to make it as a composer. Source: (Munteanu) -
Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight Sonata)
Beethoven's 14th sonata was written in the summer of 1801. It is comprised of three movements, and is known for it's emotion, with a very melancholy sound. The Sonata was dedicated to Giulietta Guicciardi, a countess who Beethoven fell in love with but could not marry because he was a commoner. This event is important because it is one of the most famous piano songs of all time, and is one of Beethoven's greatest pieces. Source: (Knapp, Budden) -
The Heiligenstadt Testament
While Beethoven was attempting to compose music, it became apparent to him that he was going deaf, which depressed him. On October 6, 1802, he wrote a letter, dubbed the "Heiligenstadt Testament," in which he pondered suicide, not wanting to live without hearing music. Beethoven didn't go through with it, but it became a defining moment in history because had he gone through with it, the world wouldn't have heard his greatest works, which he went on to compose. Source: (biography.com) -
Napoleon is Crowned as Emperor
On December 2, 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself as emperor of France. He took the crown out of Pope Pius VII's hands and placed it on his own head. This event is significant because it marks another change in the French government, and an end to the democracy that had been a core value of the French Revolution. It also started a reign which would stabilize the French economy and end the turmoil which had plagued France. Source: (history.com) -
Symphony No. 3 "Eroica Symphony"
On April 7, 1805, Beethoven debuted his third symphony, named "Eroica" (or "heroic"). It was originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, who Beethoven identified with. However when Napoleon crowned himself emperor of France, Beethoven took Napoleon's name off of it. This event is significant because the symphony would go on to become one of Beethoven's greatest and most popular works. It was also stylistically different from the norm of the time, it was grand and dramatic. Source: (pbs.org) -
Symphony No. 5
Beethoven's fifth symphony was debuted December 22, 1808. The symphony is started four notes that have become one of the most famous motifs of all time. These four notes were described by Beethoven as "fate knocking at your door." Its dramatic and passionate nature became the epitome of Beethoven's style. This event is significant because it became one of the popular songs Beethoven wrote, and the themes and motifs of the song are still used across pop culture today. Source: (npr.org) -
Custody Battle for Karl van Beethoven
On November 15, 1815 Beethoven's brother Caspar van Beethoven died and assigned custody of his son Karl van Beethoven to both Karl's mother and Ludwig, This sparked a heated custody battle between the two, which Beethoven won. While Beethoven won the custody battle the boy was very rebellious, and Beethoven was a cruel father. This event is significant because it showed Beethoven's attempt to be a father and to have someone to continue his legacy. Source: (biography.com) -
Symphony No. 9
On May 7, 1824 Beethoven debuted his ninth and final symphony. The most well known part is the "Ode to Joy" section with a chorus and band playing a triumphant and euphoric melody line. It is one of the most recognizable and well known melodies in the world. It was composed when Beethoven was completely deaf. This event is significant because it is considered by most to be Beethoven's best work of all, and is easily one of, if not the, most famous piece of all time. Source: (Gladys, Wolcott 60) -
Beethoven's Death
In his last days Beethoven caught a cold, but it quickly turned to pneumonia. March 26, 1827 Beethoven died of cirrhosis of the liver, where tissue in the liver is replaced with scar tissue. His funeral was attended by over 20,000 people, and his death was mourned by many. This event is significant because it marks the death of one of the greatest composers to ever live, and the end of Beethoven's masterful compositions. (Jacobs 148)
