Ludwig van Beethoven: The Musical Genius

Ludwig van Beethoven was the composer of the most celestial and significant music written at any time. He was the first musician to link the classical period of 18th-century and the novel birth of Romanticism. Beethoven’s absolute step forward in the world of music came in his instrumental work, not forgetting his symphonies. In contrast to his forerunner Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, for whom composing music seemed natural, Beethoven strived to make his work flawless.

On December 16, 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany; he was baptized on December 17, 1770. An authentic record of the birth date does not exist; however, what remains is the registry of his baptism at the Parish of Saint Regius in a Roman Catholic service. During Beethoven’s era, babies were typically baptised the day following their birth. Also, scholars concluded that the composer’s family celebrated his birthday on the 16th of December. Both his grandfather and father held positions as court musicians in Beethoven’s hometown, Bonn. Beethoven’s father, a singer, gave him his first musical training at an early age. It is often said that Beethoven’s father, Johann van Beethoven, was a strict teacher and that young Beethoven “made to stand at the keyboard, was often in tears.” However, the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians declared that documentation that supported this claim did not exist and insisted that “speculation and myth-making have been productive.” Beethoven has several instructors who instructed him in playing various instruments. Among his several teachers were: court organist Gilles van den Eeden, pianist Tobias Friedrich Pfeiffer, violinist and violist Franz Rovantini. Beethoven’s natural apt for music was evident at ...

... middle of paper ...

...vised his minuet movement with a more eccentric scherzo. He often used methods such as random melodic emphasis and several out of the blue elements. Many scholars regard this composer as the most excellent composer to have walked this planet. His compositions were remarkable and moving. For the first time classical music has reached such astronomical levels. Beethoven’s works consisted of thriry-two sonatas, seventeen quartets, nine symphonies and much more.

Beethoven spent the rest of his last months in sickness. Beethoven passed away at age 52 on March 26, 1827. The cause of his death may be due to heavy intake of alcohol and ultimate live damage. Beethoven’s funeral on March 29, 1827 had at least 20,000 citizens. He is buried in Wharing cemetery which is north-west of Vienna after the Holy Trinity church. Beethoven may have long passed but his legend lives on.