Ludwig van BEETHOVEN17 December 1770 - 26 March 1827 (age 56)
- FamilyClick on the portrait of Beethoven for more information about it. German 19th century composer and virtuoso pianist. One of the most influential composers of all time and one of the most popular. Portrait by Paul Helm © FamilyBorn: December 1770, Bonn, GermanyGrandfather: Ludwig van Beethoven, Flemish. In 1733 emigrated from Flanders to Germany. Became Kappelmeister at Bonn. Father: Johann, a musician at the Court of Bonn. A weakness for alcohol. Mother: Maria Magdalena. Quiet, gentle, kind woman. Siblings: There were 7 children but only 3 boys survived. Ludwig was the eldest. Partners: None Children: None. Co-guardian of his nephew Karl Death: 26 March 1827, Vienna, Austria. Cause: cirrhosis, jaundice, liver failure. Grave: Zentralfriedhof, Vienna 
TemperamentGrumpy old man. Irritable, manic depressive, disdainful of authority and social rank. Short and stocky with a paunch, dishevelled. Red face, small piercing eyes, bushy eyebrows.
A Video DocumentaryAn interesting documentary on the life and music of Beethoven by 'How Stuff Works'.It lasts about 35 minutes and opens in a new window. Click on the image.
Quotes- "To play without passion is inexcusable!"- "Beethoven can write music, thank God, but he can do nothing else on earth." - "Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman."
2010 Classical Music CalendarThis calendar has 12 of my portraits of famous composers, including Ludwig.Also Bach, Puccini, Mozart, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Brahms,Vivaldi, Handel, Rossini, Bernstein and Verdi. Jan - Dec 2010. US Holidays. You can buy it at cafepress Ludwig on AmazonBooks and CDs on Amazon.com (USA)for UK go to Amazon.co.uk 
Works
Beethoven Symphony No.9 - Bernstein 1989 (part 1)
Ludwig's Facebook PageJoin the group, share your views on Ludwig's page
Beethoven Cafepress shop
Treasures on eBayOn eBay you will find bargains galore but more interestingly there is a treasure chest of old items. Out of print books, old recordings no longer available, memorabilia and goods no longer sold on the High Street.To see what is currently on offer take a look at:Links - where to go for more informationJohn Suchet's website and books. The BBC newsreader is an expert on Beethoven.www.madaboutbeethoven.com a site by Dominique Prévot site and of course Wikipedia Do you like this page? If so, please give it a thumbs up on Stumbleupon - or one of the bookmarking services below - to help others to find it. Thank you! 
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