Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany. His father, who was a singer, was his first teacher. Beethoven became a traveling performer, and his father thought he could be as famous as Mozart. Beethoven moved to Vienna, where he spent the rest of his life. Beethoven was one of the first composers to make a living without being employed by the church or a member of the nobility. But when he was around 30 years old, Beethoven started going deaf. Even though he could no longer hear well enough to play the piano, Beethoven composed some of his best music after he was deaf! He is most well known for his nine symphonies, and his piano music.
Read More About Beethoven at these sites:
Watch Symphony Number 5:
Disney Fantasia 200o version of Symphony no. 5:
Watch a performance of Fur Elise:
Watch Symphony Number 9, including Ode To Joy:
Watch Ode To Joy as sung be Beaker from the Muppets:
Pine Glen Music Blog 