Fun & Interesting Facts About Beethoven

Beethoven is one of the most famous and greatest musicians of all time. His music is recognizable, and children and adult students learn how to play his music on the piano. Many people can instantly identify his music, but not many can identify facts about the great musician. The following are little known facts about the man, his music, and his legacy.

Ludwig van Beethoven never married and had no children. He started losing his hearing at the age of 26 and died on March 26^th, 1827 during a thunderstorm. His funeral procession was done 3 days later and about 20,000 people came. Credit: 1, 2, 3.

Beethoven’s Birth

Beethoven was born in Germany on December 16^th, 1770. It is rumored that as a young man, another very famous musician—Mozart, heard Beethoven’s playing (see facts about Mozart). He made a comment about the young man, and that Beethoven’s career should be watched for his genius. Mozart seemingly passed on the torch for being the most famous musicians in the world to the young Beethoven, and their meeting may have very well inspired Beethoven to work hard to achieve greatness.

Beethoven’s Personal Life

Beethoven led a mysterious and quiet life, and historians and biographers still work, today, to learn about the man and his life. One of the greatest mysteries about Beethoven revolves around his love life. Beethoven never married, but he often referred to his “Immortal Beloved”. Who this “Immortal Beloved” is still remains a mystery, but many believe her to be one of three different women. Each of the three women went on to marry other men, but they are believed to have been loved and lost by Beethoven. Beethoven did not have any children, but he formed an attachment to one of his nephews, and he even won custody of him after his brother’s death. The nephew did not grow up to be a musician like his uncle, and he seemed to have been spoiled by his famous uncle.

Beethoven’s Music

Some of Beethoven’s most famous pieces are his piano sonatas. Three of the most famous are No. 8 in C-Minor, No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, and No. 23 in F-Minor. He also wrote operas, violin concertos, and piano concertos. His biggest accomplishment is arguably his symphonies, and his most famous symphony is No. 9. Sadly, Beethoven eventually lost his hearing, but he continued to try to work until his death.