Ludwig van Beethoven

1 - Ludwig van Beethoven is considered one of the most important composers of classical music. He was born in Bonn in December 1770, left the city at the age of 22, and then lived in Vienna. He began to lose his hearing early in life and eventually became almost completely deaf. Despite his condition, he created many great works. His memory has always been kept alive in Bonn. His birthplace is now a museum.

2 - Beethoven wrote a total of nine symphonies. A symphony is a piece of music for a large orchestra, in which many instruments play together under the direction of a conductor. A symphony usually consists of four sections, called movements. Beethoven’s most famous work is undoubtedly his Ninth Symphony. Parts of it are now played as the European anthem.

3 - Beethoven also composed several sonatas. A sonata is structured much like a symphony, but is often performed by just one instrument, such as a piano, or by a small group of instruments. A symphony is sometimes described as a sonata for orchestra. Among other works, Beethoven left us the "Moonlight Sonata". He also wrote piano concertos and other pieces known as rondos, bagatelles or quartets.

4 - Beethoven also composed an opera. It is called “Fidelio.” An opera is a piece of music featuring singers who perform a story. An opera includes several arias, each sung by a singer.

5 - Beethoven died on March 26, 1827, at the age of 56. The cause of death was probably liver disease. The musician had probably regularly drunk a lot of wine during his life.

Find out:

When and where was Ludwig van Beethoven born?
In which city did he live from 1792 onward?
What illness did he struggle with from an early age?
How many symphonies did Beethoven write?
Which symphony are parts of played today as the European Anthem?
What is the difference between a sonata and a symphony?
What is a well-known sonata by Beethoven called?
What is the name of the only opera he left behind?
What is an opera?
When did Ludwig van Beethoven die?