Beethoven was a famous German composer born in 1770 who went deaf later in life but continued composing masterpieces. He had his first music published at age 12 and studied under Haydn and others. Though he struggled with deafness and became reclusive, Beethoven composed many symphonies, sonatas, and other works that influenced the development of music into the Romantic era. He died in 1827 after producing monumental compositions like his 9th Symphony while completely deaf.

1. Ludwig van Beethoven
1770- 1827

2. Early Life
• Beethoven was born on December, 17, 1770, in Bonn,
Germany.
• His father, a singer and instrumentalist, was Beethoven’s
first teacher. His other teachers included Haydn and Salieri.
• His father treated him harshly.
• His first music was published when he was twelve years-old .
Beethoven-haus,
Bonn
Now a
museum

3. His Struggles and
Works
• In 1802, Beethoven realized that he was rapidly losing his
hearing. As a result of this realization, he became increasingly
reclusive.
• Nevertheless, he continued composing.
• Unlike Haydn and other previous composers who relied on
patrons, Beethoven worked independently and earned a living
from the sale of his works.
• Therefore, Beethoven was the first free-lance composer.
th

4. Later Life and Influence
• Beethoven composed 9 complete symphonies, 32 piano sonatas,
overtures, and numerous chamber works.
• His music lead the entire musical world into romanticism and
influenced the way in which pianos were built.
• He was completely deaf while composing his 9 th Symphony.
• He died in Vienna on March 26, 1827. Nearly 30,000 people
attended his funeral.

5. “What I am, I am by myself.
There are and will be a thousand
princes…
There is only one Beethoven.”
- Beethoven

6. Some of his Works
• 32 Piano Sonatas
o Moonlight Sonata
o Sonata Pathetique
• Fur Elise
• Fidelio (his only opera)
• 9 Symphonies
o Choral Symphony …#9 (Ode to Joy)
o Beethoven’s Fifth …#5
o Pastorale …..#6

7. Some of his Works
• Beethoven Symphony No.9
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAOTCtW9v0M
• Beethoven Moonlight Sonata
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVeaIHWWck
• Beethoven Fur elise
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQTTFUtMSvQ
• Beethoven's 5th Symphony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4IRMYuE1hI