Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the greatest and most significant composers of the western art music tradition. His groundbreaking pieces of music were based on a classic style, romantic style, and flawlessly categorized by feelings and impact. He wrote several symphonies, piano sonatas, concertos, and string quartets.
From his music to his final words, here are some fascinating facts about the renowned composer and pianist.
Interesting Facts about Beethoven
Scroll down to find the surprising Beethoven facts that help increase your knowledge about the genius composer.
When Did Beethoven Die?
- A. 20 March 1827
- B. 26 March 1827
- C. 26 March 1837
- D. 20 March 1820
1. Beethoven Composed Music for a Dead Poodle
Did you know he presented his first concert at the age of seven? He learned to play the piano when he was a kid. When he was 12 he started composing pieces with strange names such as “Lied an Einen Säugling” (Song for an Infant). Later, he composed “Elegie auf den Tod eines Pudels” (Elegy on the Death of a Poodle). But the story of the poodle remained unknown and unclear.
2. Was Beethoven Deaf?
It is still a mystery what caused him to lose his hearing. There were several theories about how he lost his hearing. It is believed that when he was tired he had the habit of dunking his head in cold water that could be the reason.
There is no evidence to prove the story. At 26 he began listening to a ringing and a buzzing in his ears. He was frightened that his lack of listening would impact his music career. He completely lost hearing when he was 44. He avoided all the social gatherings so that no one could find out he couldn’t hear anything. Was Beethoven blind? He was not blind in his entire life.
3. He Was Deaf but He Never Stopped Composing
How did Beethoven compose while deaf?
Deafness couldn’t stop him from composing music. He brilliantly managed to compose an opera, four solo concerti, six symphonies, six-string sonatas, five-string quartets, seven piano sonatas, four overtures, five sets of piano variations, two sextets, four trios, and 72 songs. He had the most productive years in his musical career.
4. Beethoven Learned from Haydn
At the beginning of his 20s, after moving to Vienna, he took lessons from Joseph Haydn, the symphony’s father. Both didn’t like each other due to Beethoven’s habit.
5.Beethoven Seemed Unlucky In Love.
In 1801, he fell in love with a noblewoman Julie (“Giulietta”) Guicciardi. Unfortunately, he couldn’t marry a countess because he was a commoner. His popular Piano Sonata no.14 called “Moonlight,” was written in the memory of her.
Later, in 1799 he fell in love with Josephine Brunswick while he gave her piano lessons. She was also a countess. But her family forced her to break up with him.
6. He was the third Ludwig in the Beethoven family.
The first Ludwig van Beethoven was his grandfather, and second was Beethoven’s elder brother, and the third one was Beethoven.
7. Strange Theories about Beethoven’s Final Words
The great music composer died at 56 during a thunderstorm. When we look back at his life, he suffered from many diseases such as jaundice, chronic hepatitis, colitis, rheumatic fever, different skin diseases, and liver cirrhosis. But his actual cause of death remains unknown. Like his death, his last words are also a mystery. People speculate that after accepting a case of wine as a present, Beethoven said, “Pity, pity, too late.” Some people believe that these words symbolize “Plaudite, amici, comedia finita est” meaning, “applaud, my friends, the comedy is over.” Other people say his final words were“I shall hear in heaven”.