Meet Beethoven, the deaf composer who changed the world of music forever.
Despite his claim to fame, the German composer was so much more than what he is known for. Beethoven led an eventful life that can be inspirational to some and so, if you love Beethoven’s work, these facts are definitely going to pique your interest.
1. Beethoven Kept A Diary
When Beethoven was in Vienna, he enjoyed recording his days with the help of a diary. This included regular events from his daily life such as looking for a piano to buy or finding a new wig-maker.
2. Beethoven Had A Teacher
When Beethoven moved to Vienna during his younger years, he perfected his talent under the guidance of his teacher and mentor Joseph Haydn. The two of them would often butt heads and get into arguments, which is why it is reported by some that they were not friends.
3. Beethoven Had A Particular Criterion for Students
It is said that Beethoven wasn’t a big fan of giving out piano lessons unless his students happened to be overwhelmingly talented or if they were attractive women.
Yan Krukoiv/Pexels | Beethoven was a simple and straightforward man
4. Beethoven Took His Sweet Time Before Performing His First Symphony
Beethoven was 30 years of age when he performed his first symphony. Despite the fact that at the time, symphonies were meant to be considered light-hearted pieces, Beethoven went all out for his debut, which meant that some even mistook his first symphony for a joke.
5. ‘Moonlight Sonata’ was Written for Someone Special
Most of us might not know this but “Moonlight Sonata” was written and dedicated to Beethoven’s student and love interest, Julie Guicciardi. Though Beethoven had never gotten married or lived with a woman, the portrait of Guicciardi could always be found on his desk.
6. Beethoven Had Gone Deaf
It is said that Ludwig’s hearing began to decline after the age of 25. Once he turned 27, he began hearing a constant buzzing sound in his head and by 46, he had completely lost the ability to hear. Despite losing his hearing, Beethoven stayed true to his musical aspirations and strived to further improve his skill.
Juan Pablo/Pexels | An English Piano Builder sent Beethoven a piano as a gift but by the time he received it, he had gone completely deaf
7. Beethoven was A Cool-headed Person
Although this next one is a rumor with no conclusive evidence behind it, some claim that Beethoven would dunk his head in cold water before composing because doing so helped him with his creative process.
8. Beethoven Had A Fondness for Revolution
Beethoven was a huge fan of the French revolution and the revolutionary Napoleon Bonaparte. When Napoleon declared himself as an emperor, Beethoven went into a frenzy and ripped out the front page of his manuscript to scribble out Napoleon’s name in excitement.
Delila Dalprat/ Pexels | He even dedicated a symphony to Bonaparte
Apart from being one of the biggest names in music, it seems like Beethoven was a pretty cool guy. Wouldn’t you agree?
