Great
Classical Music
Composers

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN

17 December 1770 - 26 March 1827 (age 56)

Portrait by Paul Helm
click on image for more info

German 19th century classical composer and virtuoso pianist. Beethoven was one of the most influential composers of all time and one of the most popular.

Family

Born: December 1770, Bonn, Germany
Grandfather: 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

Spellings
The correct spelling of his name is Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Von instead of Van is incorrect. Common misspellings are Bethoven, Betoven, Betoben - all incorrect.

Temperament

Grumpy 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.

Works

9 Symphonies
5 Piano Concertos
1 Violin Concerto
16 String Quartets
1 Opera
32 Piano Sonatas

A Video Documentary

An 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."

Daniel Barenboim plays the Pathetique Sonata, 2nd movement

Ludwig on Amazon

Books and CDs on Amazon.com (USA)

for UK go to Amazon.co.uk

News

Ludwig on Facebook

Share your views and preferences with other Beethoven fans on his facebook page

Treasures on eBay

On 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:

Beethoven on eBay - what's on now!