Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven, the renowned German composer, is born in Bonn, Germany.

Ludwig van Beethoven is born and baptized in the church of St Remigius, Bonn.

Beethoven's beloved grandfather, Kapellmeister Ludwig van Beethoven, passes away on 24th December.

Beethoven's father, Johann van Beethoven, passed away on December 17, 1770, in Bonn, Electorate of Cologne, a principality of the Holy Roman Empire.

At the age of 7 ½, Ludwig Van Beethoven gave his first public performance at Cologne on March 26, 1778.

Ludwig van Beethoven was born on December 17th, 1780 to Johann van Beethoven and Maria Magdalena Keverich. He showed musical ability at an early age and had his first public performance at the age of eight.

In 1782, before the age of 12, Beethoven published his first work: 9 Variations in C, for Piano, on a march by Ernst Christoph Dressler.

In April 1787, Beethoven embarked on a journey to Vienna. This move marked a significant turning point in his life and career, as Vienna became the city where he would establish himself as a prominent composer and musician.

On July 17, 1789, Beethoven's mother, Maria Magdalena, passes away in Bonn.

Emperor Joseph II's death has a significant impact on the Holy Roman Empire. Beethoven, at a young age, is tasked with composing music in memory of the late Emperor, but the composition remains unperformed. Over a century later, Johannes Brahms discovers Beethoven's Cantata on the Death of Emperor Joseph II, which is now recognized as one of Beethoven's earliest masterpieces.

Beethoven arranged to study with Franz Joseph Haydn in 1791 when Haydn visited Bonn, Germany. A year later, Beethoven left Bonn to begin his studies in Vienna under the guidance of Haydn, a highly influential composer of the Classical period.

Beethoven's father passed away on December 18, 1792.

Beethoven officially became known as a composer during his debut concert in Vienna on March 29th. He also performed on the 30th and 31st, showcasing his Piano Concerto No.1, Opus 15.

Beethoven's First Symphony had its premier on April 2, 1800.

In October 1802, Beethoven moved to Heiligenstadt, where he wrote the 'Heiligenstadt Testament', a letter to his brothers expressing thoughts of suicide due to his growing deafness and his resolution to continue living for and through his art.

Beethoven composes his first and only oratorio, Christus am Ölberge, Christ on the Mount of Olives. It premieres on 5 April, just 14 days after Beethoven started writing.

The private premiere of Symphony No.3, Eroica, took place at Prince Lobkowitz’s palace in Vienna, marking a turning point in Beethoven's life and career as he aimed to find a new path in his compositions.

On April 7, 1805, Beethoven's Third Symphony had its first public performance. This symphony, also known as the 'Eroica', marked a significant shift in the composer's style and is considered a groundbreaking work in the history of classical music.

Beethoven's opera 'Fidelio' stumbled on its first night in 1805.

Beethoven's Violin Concerto premieres in Vienna with Franz Clement playing the solo part. It is known for its late completion, leading to Clement sight-reading part of the performance.

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony premieres in Vienna, becoming one of his most iconic and recognizable works in the history of classical music.

Beethoven composed the famous piano piece Fur Elise, showcasing his ability to create more playful and charming music despite his hearing loss. The piece has become one of the enduring classics of Classical music.

Beethoven referred to Symphony No.8 as 'my little one'. It is overall light-hearted and musically entertaining. The fourth movement of this piece helped music stray away from Classical traditions and begin a new type of music.

At a grand concert at Vienna University on December 8, 1813, Beethoven conducted the world premieres of his Symphony No. 7 and the Battle Symphony. The concert celebrated the British victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Vitoria and aimed to raise funds for wounded soldiers. This event marked one of Beethoven's most successful concerts.

Beethoven gives the first public performance of the Archduke Trio op. 97 with Schuppanzigh and Linke, despite the traumatic experience caused by his deafness.

Fidelio is performed for the first time in its final form.

On January 19, 1816, Beethoven is legally appointed as the sole guardian of Karl, taking full responsibility for his nephew's care and upbringing.

John Broadwood of London sent Beethoven a new fortepiano at the end of 1817, which inspired him to complete his Sonata in B flat, Op. 106, the Hammerklavier. This marked a crucial moment in Beethoven's musical career.

Beethoven's most ambitious choral work, the Missa Solemnis, was premiered in St Petersburg, Russia, just before Easter under the patronage of Prince Galitzin. The composition of this masterpiece had occupied much of Beethoven’s time from 1819-23, and it showcased his immense demands upon the singers.

Beethoven's last symphony, the Ninth Symphony, was premiered on May 7, 1824, in Vienna. It is renowned for its choral finale, incorporating Friedrich Schiller's 'Ode to Joy.'

On May 7, 1825, in Vienna, Austria, Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 was premiered. This symphony is a monumental work in the classical music genre, known for its innovative use of vocal soloists and chorus in the final movement.

Schuppanzigh and his quartet give the first public performance of Beethoven's String Quartet op. 130. Beethoven agrees to compose a new final movement to replace the Grosse Fuge.

Beethoven passed away on 26 March 1827 at the age of 56. His funeral procession in Vienna was attended by an estimated 10,000 people, and he was buried in the Währing cemetery, north-west of Vienna.

Karl buys a pistol with the intention of committing suicide. His landlord contacts Beethoven after learning about Karl's intentions.

In July 1826, Beethoven's nephew Karl attempted to end his life by shooting himself at the ruined castle of Rauhenstein. This was a result of a massive row between Karl and Beethoven, stemming from Karl's desire to go into the military instead of pursuing university studies. Karl blamed his uncle for pushing him too far, which devastated Beethoven.

Karl climbs to the Rauhenstein ruins and attempts suicide by putting the gun to his head. He is found and taken to his mother to recuperate.

After a furious row with Johann, Beethoven and Karl leave in the middle of the night in an open-top carriage for Vienna. Beethoven falls ill in a cold village tavern where they spend the night en route.

Beethoven undergoes an operation to reduce his abdominal swelling on December 20th.

Ludwig van Beethoven passed away on March 26, 1827.

The original airing of a program discussing Ludwig van Beethoven's legacy as the most admired composer in all of music history.

The world celebrates Beethoven 250 with socially distanced audiences from 29 November 2020 for six concerts with pianist Krystian Zimerman and Sir Simon Rattle, rounding off the Beethoven 250 anniversary celebrations. Each concert will be performed twice at 3.30pm and 6.30pm.