Ludwig van Beethoven Timeline

  • Ludwig van Beethoven is born

    Ludwig van Beethoven is born
    The exact date of Ludwig van Beethoven's birth is not known, however, he was baptized as a baby on December 17th, 1770 in Bonn, Germany.
  • Early years

    Early years
    As a very young boy, Ludwig van Beethoven was taught to play the piano. His father was very intent that Ludwig was to learn piano. He would beat the young boy for every mistake he made while playing piano. Ludwig was even locked in the cellar and was deprived of sleep due to his father's rigorous intentions for him.
  • Beethoven's First Concert

    Beethoven's First Concert
    At the age of seven, Ludwig van Beethoven performed at his first concert called "little son of six years". Despite Ludwig's father's efforts to make him a musical prodigy, the perfromance did not make it into the news. Later, he quit school at the age of 10 to study music full time.
  • Beethoven publishes his first composition

    Beethoven publishes his first composition
    At only 12 years old, Beethoven published his first piano composition.
  • Beethoven composes a musical memorial

    Beethoven composes a musical memorial
    In 1790, the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II died. Beethoven was given the honour and opportunity to compose a musical memorial for him. Unfortunately it was never played but was discovered later in 10 years.
  • Beethoven moves to Vienna

    Beethoven moves to Vienna
    With the forces of the French Revolution trickling into Cologne, Germany, Beethoven headed to Vienna. There he continued studying piano and practicing with other composers, determined to become one himself.
  • Beethoven makes a public debut in Vienna

    Beethoven makes a public debut in Vienna
    After years of practicing and studying, on March 29th 1795, Beethoven made his debut concerti in Vienna
  • Beethoven Debuts "Symphony No.1 in C

    Beethoven Debuts "Symphony No.1 in C
  • Beethoven publishes "Six String Quartet"

    Beethoven publishes "Six String Quartet"
  • Beethoven loses his hearing

    Over the past two years, Beethoven had progressively been losing his hearing. He had been avoiding social gatherings for almost 2 years; ashamed of the fact he was becoming deaf.
  • Debut of "Symphony No. 3"

    Debut of "Symphony No. 3"
    Shortly after Napoleon became Emperor, Beethoven debuted "Symphony No.3" in his honor.
  • "Ode to Joy" is composed

    "Ode to Joy" is composed
    "Ode to Joy", perhaps Beethoven's most famous piece, was composed in 1864. This was his 9th and final symphony.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven dies

    Ludwig van Beethoven dies
    On March 26th, 1827 Beethoven dided at the age of of 56. Today, Beethoven as viewed as one of the best composers ever known. What made him extraordinary was that he continued to compose beautiful pieces of music even when he was deaf.