Free Essay About Ludwig Van Beethoven

Few composers have been able to stand the test of time. Many composers have made contributions to society, but few are still talked about today. Ludwig Van Beethoven is one of a few composers where people around the world still hear his music on a regular basis. While Beethoven may have never known his contributions to society during his lifetime, he has made remarkable music contributions that was seen well beyond his years. He was able to come from a background of obscurity to become one of the most prolific composers of his time.
Beethoven had his start at a very early age as he was born to a musical family. He worked with his father from birth to study the clavier with his father. Beethoven was born on December 16th, 1770 in Bonn. Although it has been disputed his actual birthdate, it was presumed that it was December 16th as he was baptized on December 17th 1770 as it was customary to baptize a newborn 24 hours after they were born. There are no official records of Beethoven’s birth, outside of his baptismal records. Beethoven’s father was a court singer, and wanted to be able to capitalize on the success of another well-known composer. Mozart, was well-known in Vienna, Austria and his fame had traveled to where Beethoven lived. His father worked very extensively with Beethoven, to the point that some felt he was abused. His father would make him practice on the clavier for hours, even when he was not of the age and stature to reach the clavier. It was this hard work, and what was considered over dedication from his father, that Beethoven was able to get his start. He held his first recital when he was seven years old. While the recital was named that he was six years old, Beethoven was actually seven years old. This was a playoff of Mozart’s first recital. Unfortunately, this recital did not garner much attention for Beethoven, and Beethoven continued to work on his studies. Beethoven struggled in school, and often had difficulties with spelling and reading, but was noted for his musical ability. It has been debated by historians that Beethoven may have had mild dyslexia.
Beethoven would be later nurtured by the local aristocracy and briefly had the opportunity to work with Mozart, before having to return home to care for his ailing mother. After his mother’s passing, he subjected to court to obtain the role of a court musician. Once he had obtained this role, he was able to work with Franz Joseph Haydn whom was considered the most renowned composer of the time. Beethoven not only had the opportunity to work with Haydn, he also worked with Antionio Salieri as well as Johann Albrechtsberger. His team worked with him in regards to not only piano skills, but composition, and counterpoint. He worked with this team for roughly thirteen months before he began to compose music. Beethoven was able to win over many patrons while in Vienna that he was able to end his ties with Electorate of Cologne in 1794 and remain in Vienna. He stayed until he was at the point of being on the same level of genius of Haydn and Mozart. While Beethoven felt that their instructions was pointless, it was evident during his early works that he benefitted from their instructions.
Beethoven subsequently made his debut in Vienna in 1795. From there he began his rise as a prominent composer. He debuted his first symphony in 1800, which was met with much praise, and led him to be one of Europe’s most beloved composers. While he later grew to hate his first symphony, Beethoven’s symphony was praised for the glorious melodies, and was very graceful. He from there completed his first six string quartets, as well as other numerous works that marked the first phase of his musical writings. It should be noted that Beethoven’s works are divided into the three periods of his life. His first set of works are noted by his pre-deafness, and are better known as his early compositions. These first set of works reflect the writing styles of Haydn, and Mozart. This was noted due to his instructors, and the style that he was taught under.
The second set of Beethoven’s composition noted a transition in musical styles. This was clearly seen with the composition of his third symphony “Eroica.” Beethoven wrote this symphony for Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon had just risen to power as France’s first emperor. Beethoven felt a connection with Napoleon as both Napoleon and himself had risen out of obscurity. This piece was very important for Beethoven as it showed a new complexity in his writing style. Many of his musicians had a very difficult time with practicing the work. These types of works showcased the complexity of Beethoven, and this was often seen with the difficulties of his works. Musicians struggled with melodies, struggled with the complexities of the rhythms and counter rhythms that were composed.
During the second set of his works, it was noted by Beethoven himself that he was beginning to go deaf. This was a terrible feat for Beethoven, and he often mentioned how he didn’t want anyone to know. It was also during this time that Beethoven began to become more withdrawn and depressed. He often wrote his works based off of his emotions or feelings.
His last set of works are the works completed after he was completely deaf until his death. These works were completed even after he had lost his ability to hear, making these works completely remarkable. They are also seen as his last sets of masterpieces, which includes the ninth symphony. This symphony is one of the most commonly known, and performed symphony, as listeners find it to be simple and pleasant. “Ode to Joy” is one of the most well-known works due to its simplistic and pleasant melodies.
While Beethoven is considered one of the most well-known and celebrated composers of all time, he was not the most pleasant composer to be around. The cause of this is due to his personality, as he was very difficult for him to be around his peers as well as others. It was noted by his peers that he was often difficult to deal with as he was of a greedy nature, and was often paranoid. Beethoven was once known to try break a chair over a Prince’s, and called him a donkey loud enough for everyone to hear. It was these type of idiosyncrasy’s that made it very difficult for Beethoven to not only work with Franz Joseph Haydn, but for Beethoven to have any pupils of his own. It has not been noted that Beethoven had any pupils to work with, and this could have been due to his difficult personality. Sadly, Beethoven passed away in 1827 from what was later to be found to be post-cirrhosis of the liver.
Beethoven left a lasting legacy for musicians around the world. His compositions are considered the beginning of the romantic era of music, and is commonly played today. Beethoven left a legacy that changed music, and evolved music to the romantic era. Many composers present accolades to his works, and he is often cited as an influential composer. Although his personality was one that was difficult to be around, his works are continually celebrated, and continually played around the world. Beethoven should be, and is continually regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time.

Bibliography

Bio.com. Accessed March 2, 2015. http://www.biography.com/people/ludwig-van-beethoven-9204862#acclaimed-works-and-death.
Ronge, Julia. 2013. "Beethoven's Apprenticeship: Studies with Haydn, Albrechtsberger, and Salieri." Journal Of Musicological Research 32, no. 2/3: 73-82. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed March 1, 2015).
2013. "Ludwig van Beethoven." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition 1-2. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed March 1, 2015).