5 Interesting Facts about Beethoven
Beethoven is arguably one of the greatest composers of all time. From operas to orchestras, Beethoven changed the game when it comes to the music we hear today.
He was more than just an amazing improvisor and composer, Beethoven lived a fascinating life, intriguing many of his peers. Here are just a few facts about Beethoven that made his life a little more interesting.
- Lifelong Health Issues
Growing up, Beethoven suffered, many illnesses including colitis, rheumatism, rheumatic fever, typhus, various skin disorders, abscesses, deafness, jaundice, ophthalmia, inflammatory degeneration of the arteries, and hepatitis, just to name a few. Read more here.
On top of those ailments, Beethoven lost his hearing in the later stages of his life. The cause of his hearing loss is unknown, Beethoven himself claimed it happened after a rage-induced accident, but many speculate that lead poisoning contributed to his hearing loss.
2. Long Line of Musicians
Beethoven was the grandson of Lodewiik van Beethoven, a musician from Mechelen in the Netherlands. He was awarded the position of Kapellmeister (music director) to the Elector in Bonn, which was a presitgous position.
His father, Johan van Beethoven, was a court musician. Wanting to promote the next child prodigy, Johan pushed Beethoven hard, and many historians cite Beethoven’s distaste for child prodigies stemming from his father’s treatment of him. His father was very hard on Beethoven and always expected perfection.
3. Child Prodigy
Studying under Mozart’s teacher, Joseph Haydn, Beethoven eventually went on to publish his first composition when he was only 12.
Publishing a composition at such a young age is impressive, but Beethoven composed it in C minor, which is a challenging key to play in and was a strange choice for the time. This was when many people believed that Beethoven was a prodigy.
4. Forerunner of the Piano
During Beethoven’s time, the piano became more popular, replacing the famous harpsichord. Deciding to compose on the piano, he created some of the first compositions for piano in history.
5. He died during a thunderstorm at age 56.
Beethoven passed away on March 26, 1827 after battling illness. Passing during a thunderstorm is a very Beethoven-esque way to die. Dramatic and poetic.
