Beethoven Case

Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the greatest most influential composers of our world. During his lifetime he composed, nine symphonies, seven concertos, thirty-two piano sonatas, seventeen string quartets, and ten sonatas for piano and violin. Beethoven was born in the year of 1770 in Bonn, Germany. There is no accurate date of birth, but it is recorded that he was baptized on December 17, 1770. Baptism was traditionally held the day after an infant was born. Beethoven was born into a family of musicians at the royal court Cologne. He was the son of Maria Magdelena Kewerich and Johann van Beethoven. His name was given after his grandfather, who was Flemish and settled in Bonn in 1732. He was the bass player at court, and later, starting with 1761, he became maestro of the chapel.

Beethoven's father, Johann van Beethoven, did not leave pleasant memories in his son's existence. Undoubtedly talented, Johan was not only incapable of being a positive influence on his genius son's childhood education, but, at times, just outright prejudicial. In the year of 1767 Johan married Maria-Magdalena Kewerich the daughter of the chief cook at the Coblenz court. Maria-Magdelena was a nineteen-year-old widow when she married Johann. She was one of the most influential and radiant figures in Beethoven's childhood. Her kind, affectionate and considerate character did not stop her from manifesting great self-restraint, amazing will and extraordinary wit of any situation. She had a remarkable tact in dealing with her loved ones as well as with strangers.

Ludwig spent the first years of his childhood with his family, in a harmonious and fruitful atmosphere. At that time Johann Beethoven had a good financial situation, although somewhat moderate. Though, Old Ludwig, composer's grandfather, had to support the weak and feeble Johann both morally and financially.

Even as a child, Ludwig stood apart for all of the other children, through a rare capacity to focus and through his introvert nature. On the contrary, he was a vigorous youngster not much different from other children his age. Ludwig's hot temper manifested itself in his passionate affection in his attitude towards the events of everyday life.

Ludwig went to primary school until the age of ten. Though, the years he actually spent in school gave him little knowledge. He could no longer pursue his studies due to his family's poor financial status.

After becoming aware of his son's extraordinary musical talent, Johann hoped to turn his little son into a new Mozart. From this point on Beethoven's father provided him with a musical education that enhanced his already remarkable skills. Beethoven's childhood was marked by his father's cruel attempts in trying to transform him into a music genius.

Beethoven's first concert was in Koeln on March 1778. At time Beethoven was eight years old. His first "real" teacher was Christian-Gottlob Neefe, the musical director of the national theatre in Bonn. Neefe soon became