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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.
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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.
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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.
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At only 12 years old, Beethoven published his first piano composition.
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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.
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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.
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After years of practicing and studying, on March 29th 1795, Beethoven made his debut concerti in Vienna
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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.
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Shortly after Napoleon became Emperor, Beethoven debuted "Symphony No.3" in his honor.
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"Ode to Joy", perhaps Beethoven's most famous piece, was composed in 1864. This was his 9th and final symphony.
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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.
