Ludwig van Beethoven Biography timeline

Birth and Baptism

Dec 17, 1770

Beethoven was born and baptized on December 16, 1770. This happened in Bonn, Germany. He was the son of Johann van Beethoven, who was a violinist. He was also the oldest of three children. http://www.notablebiographies.com/Ba-Be/Beethoven-Ludwig-van.html

Piano Lessons

Oct 11, 1774

Beethovens father had a dream that his son would be a musical prodigy, like Mozarts son. So he forced Beethoven to take piano lessons. He didn't like it at first, but it started to grow on him.

Assistant Organist

Oct 11, 1784

Since he was 12, he was a substitute organist for Prince Electoral's orchestra. Finally, he became the assistant http://www.favorite-classical-composers.com/beethoven-biography.html

Plays for Mozart

Oct 11, 1787

In Vienna, Austria, Beethoven had the chance to play in front of Mozart, and he did. Mozart was impressed, but Beethoven had to rush home because his mother was dying. < Picture of Mozart

Moves to Vienna

Oct 11, 1792

Beethoven moves to Vienna, Austria. Here, he studied with Joseph Hayden and other composers. http://www.notablebiographies.com/Ba-Be/Beethoven-Ludwig-van.html

First Public Performance

Oct 11, 1795

Beethoven finally performed for the public. He played one of his own songs called "Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat".

Starts Noticing Hearing Loss

Oct 11, 1798

Beethoven started to experience some hearing problems. His ears started to ring, along with other symptoms.

First Symphony

Oct 11, 1800

1st SymphonyThis is one of nine symphonies that Beethoven has completed. They say that each one represents a stage in his musical abilities.

Problems with Hearing Worsened

Oct 13, 1802

The problems started worsening with his hearing. Beethoven even attempted suicide.

Composes 5th Symphony

Oct 11, 1807

5th SymphonyThis is considered one of Beethovens greatest achievements. Composing this also helped him express his feelings about himself losing his hearing.

Completely Deaf

Oct 11, 1815

Beethoven was almost completely deaf by this time. His manners and appearence began to go downhill. http://www.favorite-classical-composers.com/beethoven-biography.html

9th Symphony

Oct 13, 1824

9th SymphonyThis is considered one of his greatest pieces ever written. It was a first example of a major composer using voices in a symphony, making it a vocal symphony.

Death

Mar 26, 1827

Beethoven died at 57. He died in Vienna, Austria. He had four operations on his stomach, which eventually got infected. 20,000 people lined the streets for his funeral.