Mozart, the prolific Austrian composer, once stated, about Ludwig Van Beethoven,
“One day, he will give the world something to see”.
Thus, Beethoven, the widely hailed legend of classical music, lived up to the promise of being a master of Classical Music during the Classical Period and Romantic Era. He penned renowned compositions, where some of his famous works include the Moonlight Sonata, Erotica Symphony, Septet, Ode to Joy and Fifth Symphony. Today, his birthplace has been preserved and transformed into a museum in Bonn and people who are fond of Classical music travel to Bonn to visit this landmark.
Early Life
Born in a family of singers in the former capital of Germany, the city of Bonn, Beethoven displayed the skills and talent for piano at an early age. His father and grandfather both were singers in the electoral choir of Cologne. They paved the way for Beethoven to establish a stellar career in classical music. Today, Beethoven is the revered godfather of Classical music, having more than 650 works.
During his birth, there was historic flooding of the Rhine River, and a few years later, in 1777, the Electoral Palace caught fire, which led to devastating effects. However, during the rule of Maximilian Francis, i.e., the brother of the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire in 1780, Bonn encountered several improved developments that transformed the city into cultural capital that was both beautiful and progressive. The University of Bonn, i.e., the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn was established in 1818. Thus, Beethoven grew up witnessing the transformation of Bonn.
Beethoven Sculpture at Beethoven House in Bonn
Vienna, Mozart and Beethoven
Beethoven’s ambitions surpassed the mastery of music at that time, but his passion for learning more never ceased. Thus, his teacher sent him as a child prodigy to Vienna in 1787 to study music from the widely acclaimed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Beethoven had taken leave from the court orchestra to explore Mozart’s music. Mozart demanded to hear Beethoven’s music upon arrival at Vienna and was astonished to behold the young boy’s talent. He agreed on teaching the pupil, but he was summoned to Bonn as death loomed over his mother’s bed within two weeks.
An Incurable Malady
The critics judged Beethoven as a legend and the shining star of that era. But, his days were numbered when he discovered the grave, permanent and uncurable disease that struck him. Irreversible Deafness. Who would’ve comprehended that the very organ needed to produce and compose music would be tested by God? It was indeed a trial. So, he began using hearing aids such as large horns. He said,
‘I will seize fate by the throat.’
The famous saying by Ludwig Van Beethoven has inspired many artists to pursue their careers and probe their imagination to attain remarkable work. He died in Vienna in 1826. During his time, he captured people’s hearts and moved their souls.
