Ludwig Van Beethoven

Beethoven as a young man (cwablogs.org)

Ludwig Van Beethoven is a hero because he was determined and talented. Beethoven was baptised on December 17th, 1770. His family was originally from Brabant, Belgium. His father was a musician at the Court of Bonn. His mother was gentle and Beethoven’s best friend. Beethoven had a very difficult childhood. After his parents would arrive home late at night with guests, he would be woken up and forced to play music to entertain his father’s guests. There was no doubt this boy was gifted and his father would teach him constantly. Beethoven always thought he was younger than he was because of his first recital when he was seven and a half his father claimed he was six years old. Out of seven children, Beethoven was the oldest of three boys. In 1801, at age 28, Beethoven told his friends he was going deaf, yet he never stopped playing the piano. His pianos had their legs cut off and he composed and played using the vibrations. Beethoven wrote many songs and symphonies. When Beethoven came home one day he caught a cold (at this time a cold could be life threatening). He had other health problems and he died, surrounded by close friends. He died on March 26, 1827 at the age of 56.

If Ludwig Van Beethoven was living today he would be in the living record books for sure at the incredible age of 240!

Beethoven is my hero because he didn’t let anything stop him from playing the music that everyone now knows and appreciates. Some characteristics that I feel describe him are determined, beaten (from his childhood), incredible and amazing. He only wrote 9 1/2 symphonies because he only started his tenth when he died. He also composed string quartets, piano concertos, violin concertos and piano sonatas. Some of his more well-known compositions include “Ode to Joy”, “Fur Elise” and the “Moonlight Sonata”. He is also my hero because his music varies from harsh and violent to gentle and fun. As well he never stopped even after he lost his hearing at such a young age. No, instead he compromised by using a legless piano. As I grew older I have learned to love and even play his music. On both the flute and piano, I can now fluidly play parts of my favourite song “Old to Joy,” though I can’t play the whole song. I hope that one day I will. This is why Ludwig Van Beethoven is my hero.

Websites used: www.lvbeethoven.com/Bio/BiographyLudwig.html, Wikipedia, cwablogs.org