Ludwig van BeethovenLudwig van Beethoven1770-18271770-1827

The Early Years… Born on December 17, 1770 in Bonn, Germany Education: tutored by his father, an alcoholic

musician who made Ludwig practice day and night

Gave his first concert at 7 1/2 years of age. Why do you think Beethoven’s father pushed his

son so hard to be successful at an early age?

Miscellaneous Facts Beethoven was an angry man; he often realized

his errors and went to apologize to people Wrote an essay called the “Heiligenstadt

Testment” that described the unfairness of his life and his fear of going deaf

He struggled with financial, romantic and health problems throughout his life

Was the bridge between the Classical and Romantic Periods

Final Years Beethoven was deaf by the time he was 45 He caught a cold after returning from a trip,

which made his health problems worse He died on March 26, 1827 Between 10,000-30,000 people attended

his funeral in Vienna

Body of Work He published his first piece when he was

12 He is most famous for his 9 symphonies,

string quartets, and piano works Beethoven only wrote one opera “Fidelio”

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minorBeethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor

Period: Classical Country: Austria Symphony No. 5

in C Minor, mvt. 1 Genre: Orchestral Form: Symphonic

(No specific form)

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1. Where have you heard this before? 2. How many notes in the motive? 4 notes (only 2 pitches) 3. Beethoven’s Symphony

more/less emotional than Haydn’s Surprise Symphony? Why?

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5. A _________ is a short musical idea upon which a melody is based.

Motive 6. A _________ is when a motive is

repeated starting on a different note. Sequence 7. Beethoven was physically challenged

with the loss of his________. Hearing