Ludwig Van Beethoven

Beethoven's Birth

Dec 16, 1770

Ludwig Van Beethoven was born on December 16, 1770 in Bonn, Germany. From his birth, his father sensed musical talent in his son. He would get him to learn instruments and perform concerts at a young age. (Jacobs 12, 20)

First Learned Piano

1774

At age 4, Beethoven first learned how to play the piano. He was able to learn it quickly, and then was given organist lessons at the same time.He performed well enough that his organist teacher employed him as a substitute organist at age 9 or 10. (Jacobs 24)

American Revolution [World]

1775

The war for the creation of the United States began. This was important as it was one of the first big times a colony would fight for its independence. (Polsson)

James Watt Perfects Steam Engine [World]

1775

Because of the new invention of the steam engine, the industrial revolution could kick into high gear, by allowing factories to produce goods faster and transportation was improved majorly, decreasing transport times. (Grun 359)

Beethoven's First Concert

Mar 26, 1778

Johann (Beethoven's father) arranged for Beethoven's first concert when he was just 10 years old. The concert he had wasn't very good, as well as another attempt three years later. It did, however bring attention to Christian Gottlob Neefe, who spotted Beethoven trying to play one of Neefe's own compositions at his concerts, and would begin teaching Beethoven music for a while. (Samachson 103,105)

United States Becomes Independent Nation [World]

1783

The United States won the war, and became an independent country. It not only was important to the Americans, but this also helped fuel the Enlightenment, and it acted as a beginning to the French Revolution. (Grun 362)

Beethoven's First Job

1784

Beethoven got his first job as court organist by the Prince Elector at the age of 13. It was not his most liked of activities, in fact, he despised it. He would have no patience with any of the men there, and would constantly launch into rants. He was not to be stopped, according to the Prince Elector, as he said, "When he matures he'll be greater than any of you." (Jacobs 26-27)

Turkey & Russia sign Treaty [World]

1784

At the end of the Russo-Turkish war, the treaty gave Russia the access to the Mediterranean Sea. This allowed for more interactions with Russia and the Old World, which includes trading, and other sorts of interactions. (Polsson)

Meeting with Mozart

1787

At age 16, Beethoven met with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at Vienna in the springtime. He played for the great composer, and was able to watch him play as well. One time when Beethoven went into another room, Mozart said to his friend, "Keep your eyes on him; some day he will give the world something to talk about." Beethoven was not able to stay for long, at his mother started to die soon after. (Jacobs 31, 33-35)

Marie Antoinette gets Guillotined [World]

Oct 16, 1793

When Marie Antoinette was executed on the guillotine, A revolution in France was occurring, and two years after her famous death would come Napoleon, who would try to take over most of Europe. (Jacobs 50, 51)

Hearing Issues

1798

Beethoven's hearing started depleting when he was 28 years old. It could have been before that, at this was only the point in time where he fully acknowledged it. He would only start fully mentioning it to his friends three years later, as for a while he thought it would be temporary. (Jacobs 59-60)

First Symphony is Created

1800

Beethoven's first symphony was created in April 1800, just after one of the lowest points of his life. He would get to the point of contemplating having suicide during this time, until he decided to pursue art as the only way he could survive. Starting with this piece, he would make extraordinary progress as a composer. (Burch 59)

Famous Erioca Symphony was Created

1804

Written for Napoleon himself, Beethoven's third symphony was the Eroica symphony. It was meant as a heroic piece, as Napoleon's early actions were heroic in his opinion. Beethoven would change the name to "Sinfonia Eroica" (which means heroic symphony) and took out the dedication to Napoleon, after Napoleon would take the title of Emperor. (Burch 59)

Napoleon Invades Vienna

Nov 13, 1805

When Napoleon invaded Vienna, nothing much happened. The town would continue its routines, just now with French residence included. This would bring bad luck for Beethoven, as he held his first opera during this time, and the new residence were indifferent to music. As a result, it didn't turn out so well. (Jacobs 94, 95)

U.S. Goes to War Once Again [World]

1812

The War of 1812 was another war again England. During this war, however, other countries like Canada were struggling to see if they were going to keep their land as a result of the war.

Beethoven's Death

Mar 26, 1827

Beethoven died on March 26, 1827. After his death, it was revealed he had been sent a large sum of money from England to make his life easier. Because he was not able to use it, the people of Vienna chose to use it to have a large funeral for Beethoven. 20,000 people lined the streets of Vienna to pay their respects, with the funeral procession having lots of music. Compared to Mozart's funeral, which wasn't really seen by people, Beethoven was given a final parting. (Samachson 111-112)