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Ludwig van Beethoven

1770 - 1827

Ludwig Van Beethoven  Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven Statue of Beethoven
 

Even if you can't name any of his work, there's a good chance you've heard Ludwig Van Beethoven's music. He's been dead for over a hundred years but his classical tunes are still considered to be some of the best. Ludwig Van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany on December 16, 1770. His dad and grandpa were both musicians who passed along their talent. Beethoven gave his first public appearance (playing piano) when he was eight and had his first piece of music published by the time he was 12 years old.

When Beethoven was 17 he took off for Vienna. He even studied under Mozart while he was there. Beethoven's trip was cut short when he found out his mother was dying. He quickly returned home. Five years later Beethoven went back to Vienna to live. In a few years he had earned a name for himself as a pianist and was playing for the rich and famous. They supported him and in return, Beethoven dedicated his music Ludwig Van Beethoven to his audience.

When Beethoven was 28 years old, he noticed his hearing was going. He was very upset by this - so much so that he thought of ending his life. Beethoven's social life was affected the most. He is said to have had sudden bursts of anger, insulting those around him. As his hearing became worse, Beethoven went into seclusion from both the public and his friends. Eventually, he was left completely deaf. He only communicated with visitors and trusted friends by writing.

Being deaf didn't stop Beethoven from writing music - and it was good music. But life wasn't easy for him. Beethoven was seriously ill. He moved over 52 times during his final years. Beethoven also took it upon himself to get custody of his nephew. He won but Beethoven pushed his nephew, Karl, too hard. He tried to mold Karl into what he wanted but it didn't happen. When the famous composer died at the age of 50, almost 30,000 people attended his funeral. Unlike other composers of that time, Beethoven enjoyed recognition prior to his death.