Ludwig van Beethoven is an undisputed icon of classical music, celebrated for his immortal symphonies. However, beyond his fame and exceptional talent, there is a lesser-known aspect of his life. In this Halidon Music article, we reveal 10 fascinating facts about the great composer from Bonn that few people know.
- An Uncertain Birthdate
Although 16th December 1770 is officially considered Beethoven's birthday, there is no document that confirms this with certainty. We know that he was baptised on 17th December of that year in his home city of Bonn, but musicologists disagree on whether he was born one or two days previously. - The Third Ludwig in the Family
Perhaps not everyone knows that the famous composer was not the first to bear the name "Ludwig van Beethoven". In fact, he was the third Ludwig in his family. Before him there was his grandfather (also a musician) and an older brother who died tragically at a young age. - He Studied with Mozart's Own Masters (and More)
Beethoven was fortunate to study with some of the greatest Masters of his time, including those who had guided Mozart himself. Among them, Joseph Haydn played a key role: under his tutelage, Beethoven refined his style and laid the foundations for his musical revolution. Before Haydn, his first teacher, Christian Gottlob Neefe, was the first to recognise his extraordinary talent and guide him into the world of music. - "Für Elise" Was Actually for Therese
One of Beethoven's most famous piano compositions is the Bagatelle in A minor, better known as 'Für Elise'. Many believe it was originally dedicated to Therese Malfatti, a young woman with whom Beethoven was in love. But unfortunately the handwriting on the manuscript has been misinterpreted. The name "Elise" only appeared when the piece was published posthumously in 1867. - A Troubled Childhood
Beethoven had a difficult childhood, marked by a dysfunctional family environment. His father, Johann, also a musician, and his teacher, Tobias Pfeiffer, were both strict and struggled with chronic alcoholism, creating an emotionally unstable atmosphere for the young Ludwig. - The Strategy of Dedications
Many of Beethoven's piano sonatas and string quartets were dedicated to noble patrons or close friends. One of the most famous is the Moonlight Sonata, dedicated to Countess Giulietta Guicciardi. However, not all dedications were spontaneous: some were strategic, aimed at securing financial support or influential favours, a common practice among composers of the time. - A Nature Lover
Despite his fiery temperament, Beethoven was a great lover of nature. He often sought inspiration and tranquillity by retreating to the woods or riverside. This love of the countryside is reflected in his Symphony No. 6 'Pastoral', which seeks to express the emotions of a day in the countryside. - Deafness and Pain Transformed into Music
Around 1800, after he began to lose his hearing, Beethoven went through a period of despair, even contemplating suicide. But he clung to his music, his salvation and refuge, which allowed him to overcome his suffering. - A Rebel Icon with Wild Hair
Beethoven's portraits are famous for showing the composer with a wild, almost frenzied expression, due to his dishevelled hair. It was the composer himself who preferred to be portrayed in this way, as he did not want to appear "as if he were presenting himself at court". - A Universal Legacy
After his death in 1827, Beethoven became an increasingly legendary figure. Today he is considered one of the pillars of classical music, and his influence extends far beyond the classical genre. For example, the "Ode to Joy" from his 9th Symphony has been adopted as the European anthem, symbolising unity and brotherhood among nations.