Born in 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven would become one of the most beloved classical musicians of his time. His sonatas, concertos, and canonical symphonies are still listened to every day from this prolific creator. Even though he would end up losing his hearing, Beethoven would continue on to create incredible musical masterpieces. Here are some interesting facts about this this pianist whose passion would change the world.
1. He Wasn’t the First
There are actually 3 Ludwig van Beethoven’s that were born in his family. Beethoven is actually named for his grandfather, who himself was a musician of note in his hometown of Bonn, Germany. Beethoven’s parents would also assign the name to his older brother, who unfortunately passed away just 6 days after being born.
2. Music Wasn’t a First Love
Beethoven’s father had heard about the fame and acclaim that another young music prodigy named Mozart had been able to accomplish just a few years before. When he noticed that Beethoven had a talent for playing and creating music, he would literally beat his son into submission so he could practice continuously to reach the same skill level. It is often said that Beethoven could be heard sobbing as a child, being forced to stand on a piano stool to reach the instrument so he could continue practicing under his father’s close supervision.
3. A Contributor From a Young Age
Beethoven never completed his schooling. He had to withdraw at the age of 11 to help the family earn income. The young boy would wind up performing around the area to help his family have enough money to put food on the table. As a consequence of this, Beethoven never advanced his mathematics skills beyond basic addition or subtraction. Even as an adult, he never went back to school to learn what he had missed, choosing to stay focused on music.
4. Even Mozart Was Impressed
At the age of 17, Beethoven was scheduled to perform before the man that his father so very much wanted him to be like. It’s been said that Mozart had a great disdain for other musicians because his own skill levels were so far superior. After listening to Beethoven play, however, it’s been said that Mozart not only enjoyed the performance, but told everyone that they should continue tracking this boy’s musical career.
5. Ugly and Half Crazy
Beethoven was loved by many, but he was also despised by many as well. It wasn’t all his fault. Beethoven’s health always seemed to be in some state of illness. Not only did he lose his hearing, but he was plagued with skin problems, rheumatism, liver problems including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and numerous infections. Although his genius was admired, it was also not that uncommon to hear people describe him as being “ugly” or “half-crazy” due to his outward appearance.
6. Would You Like a Lesson?
If there was one thing Beethoven hated to do, it was to give a piano lesson to someone who wasn’t talented or who didn’t want to be there. The foundation for this belief is likely based on how his father treated him during his early years. Yet Beethoven also knew the value in being able to give a piano lesson to women that he found to be attractive.
One of his most beloved pieces, Moonlight Sonata, was dedicated to his love interest at the time – who just happened to be a pupil of his as well. If anything, Beethoven was certain consistent.
7. Beethoven Was Never a Wealthy Man
Despite his fame, even during his lifetime, Beethoven had to scrap and save every dollar earned in order to make sure he had a comfortable living. He did this by writing music commissions whenever offered, publishing his own music, and sometimes by putting out a plank and offering piano lessons to whomever would come by – even if they were “talentless” or “not blessed with beauty.” Yet even in this difficulty, Beethoven was able to put one of his favorite poems to music: Schiller’s Ode to Joy.
Ludwig van Beethoven will always be remembered for being a passionate and talented musician. Even the world seemed to greet Beethoven’s death with great fanfare, cascading into a booming thunderstorm on that fateful moment. Yet even in the end, it was simplicity for Beethoven that would be the point of emphasis for every day. That is summed up by him burial monument that simply says “Beethoven.”
