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The Boston Massacre
On March 5th, 1770 in the town of Boston, Massachusetts, guards were being irked by fellow citizens passing by. There were ice balls and rocks and other objects thrown at the soldiers from a rioting crowd. The men then heard someone yell "FIRE!" and they shot into the group of rioters. Five people were killed. Among them was Crispus Attucks, and African American sailor (Grunn 356). -
James Cook's Discovery
In 1770 a man named James Cook discovered Botany Bay, Australia. This was a great discovery because it was new land which meant endless possibilities. Cook's discovery most likely lead to the further exploration of Australia (Grunn 356). -
The Birth of Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven was born the on December 17th, 1770. His birth is essential because he was one of the most important musicians in history. Although his fame and success didn't come until after his death, he was still a very significant part of music. He was a piano composer born in Germany who throughout his life wrote and published everything from string quartets and piano sonatas to symphonies.These compositions will make history (Budden and Knapp). -
Beethoven's First Public Performance
Beethoven played his first public performance at the age of seven. He performed in Cologne, Germany on the piano. His father had forced him to practice piano everyday since he could push they keys. His father advertised his age as six, to compare him to the musical prodigy Mozart and draw more attention. He played various clavier concertos and trios for his audience. This was the beginning of a successful career as a musician ("Beethoven's History"). -
Ludwig Composes his First Piece
At the adolescent age of twelve, Ludwig van Beethoven had composed his first piece of music. This composition was called "Nine Variations on a March by Dressler". This classical creation contained clever harmonies, happy melodic phrasing and clues to his later stormy musical personality. This was important because it was the first of many beautiful and magnificent pieces Beethoven would create and he began so young, which is the true accomplishment ("Beethoven's History"). -
Beethoven's First Works are Printed
In 1783 Ludwig's first works were printed. This was a significant event because it was the start of a continuous span of musically genius pieces he would create in the future. As he grew his music became more complex, intricate and lovely. At the boyish age of 13, Beethoven's composition, "9 Variations in C Minor for piano on a march by Ernst Christoph Dressler" was printed. This began the cycle of some of the greatest classical music the world will ever see (Grunn 363). -
Beethoven Meets his Idol
In April of 1787, Ludwig van Beethoven met his idol, role model and inspiration, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Beethoven lived out his dream when he traveled to Vienna, Italy to meet Mozart. A mere two weeks went by and Mozart was so impressed he decided to take Beethoven on as a pupil. Although his wish came true, he had to return home for family obligations and when he ventured back to Italy five years later, Mozart was dead ("Beethoven's History"). -
The French Revolution
During Beethoven's lifetime in a separate country, The ten year long French Revolution began. This was a period of important social and political catastrophe in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799, and was partially led by Napoleon during the later expansion of the French Empire. This revolution was the effect of King Louis XVI leading the country into bankruptcy and causing many other problems. The result of this revolution was society and cultural values changed France forever (Jacobs 4). -
Beethoven Finds his Permanent Home
In 1792 Ludwig moves to Vienna Italy, where he will live for the rest of his life. He begins to study with Joseph Haydn. This change is significant because Vienna is where this legend will live out his days and write more music in months than most stars can in a lifetime. This city is home to one of the greatest stars to ever live ("Beethoven's History"). -
Ludwig Becomes the Vienna's Greatest Piano Virtuoso for Life
In 1793 Beethoven was convinced to take on the city's piano virtuoso in improvisation contests. After a short amount of days he defeats each opponent and establishes his reputation as the greatest piano virtuoso in Vienna. In 1800 he is challenged by Daniel Steibelt who he triumphs. His position is stabilized and he remains Vienna's greatest virtuoso for the rest of his life ("Beethoven's History"). -
Beethoven Publicly Mentions his Disability for the First Time
Ludwig mentions his deafness for the first time publicly in his last will and testament. He is writing the Heiligenstadt Testament and states, "Oh, all you people who think or say that I am hostile to you, or that I am stubborn, or that I hate mankind, you do not realise the wrong that you do me...I am deaf ...". This goes to show how fantastic Ludwig is for creating famous music while not being able to hear it, and all those showing him hatred now know he is disabled ("Beethoven's History"). -
France Captures Vienna
In November of 1805, French armies occupy Vienna under orders of Napoleon. He set up his headquatrets in Schönbrunnand continued to successfully lead and defeats Austrian and Russian forces in the Battle of Austerlitz. He later went on to creat the Confederation of the Rhine ("Beethoven's History"). -
Beethoven Completed his Fifth Symphony
Beethoven was a very talented man who could write sonatas and produce musical works of art. In the year 1808, he had completed his fifth symphony. This star had become so well known that business men would schedule their meetings around his performances.This may only be the fifth out of nine, but just the thought at creating works of musical genius one after another without stop is fascinating and will never be forgotten ("Ludwig van Beethoven"). -
The Enlightenment Revolution
This was a period of time that lasted from 1685-1815 where European politics, philosophy, science and communications were very much changed. This was a movement know to some as the Age of Reason. This was a drastic change for Europe because the whole society and economy was evolving (History.com Staff). -
The Missouri Compromise
Before 1820, the state of Missouri was not considered part of the United States of America. In order to balance the congressional power between slave states and slavery free states, congress passes the Missouri Compromise. This compromise officially recognizes Missouri as part of the U.S.A. ("Historical Events in 1820"). -
The Death of an Era
Ludwig van Beethoven died on March 26th, 1827 at the age of 56. In his lifetime he wrote nine symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, an opera, five piano concertos, and many other works including a brilliant string quartet. In the span of 56 years he produced enough to be known as one of the most important musicians in the history of classical music. Although his fame didn't come until after death, when it does occur Beethoven is known as one of the greatest classical performers (Bragg 101-102).
