1. Beethoven’s family background

His father, Johann van Beethoven, was a tenor singer and piano and singing teacher at the court of the Elector of Cologne. He was addicted to alcohol. Affects the whole family's life. His mother, Maria Magdalena, lived only 41 years old.

Beethoven was the second child in the family (the first one died young and lived only 6 days). After that, his mother Magdalena gave birth to 5 children one after another, but only two boys. Kaspar Anton Carl and Nicholas John grew up and played important roles in Beethoven's musical life.

2. Beethoven’s emotional life

Beethoven never found a lifelong partner and never married, but his emotional experience was quite rich. In 1800, Beethoven was fascinated by the 16-year-old aristocratic girl Kiritai. Due to their vastly different backgrounds, their work eventually separated. Beethoven, who was suffering from ear problems at the time, almost committed suicide for her and composed "Moonlight Sonata in C minor" for her.

In 1804, Beethoven fell in love with the widow Josephine, but they eventually missed each other due to the huge gap in status.

3. Beethoven’s childhood

Beethoven’s family environment was not good since he was a child. His mother and father were married for the second time. His father was just a singer, and he usually performed for some nobles for fun. , didn't make much money, and often drank too much. When he drank too much, he would act drunkenly, beating and scolding the mother and son.

So Beethoven not only had a poor childhood, but also an unfortunate childhood. In order to let him go out to make money, Beethoven's father lied about his age. When he was only six years old, he was taken around to perform by his father.

4. Beethoven’s friendship

In the spring of 1787, Beethoven visited Vienna for the first time and met the 31-year-old Mozart. His playing skills were appreciated by Mozart; in the same year, he met Beethoven. Count Walstein, who was 9 years older than me, was an important supporter of Beethoven's artistic career and finance.

In 1790, the composer Haydn passed through Bonn on his way to London, and Beethoven met Haydn. In the same year, he was commissioned to complete two oratorios: "Oratorio in Memory of the Death of Joseph II" (woO87). It is also Beethoven's first work related to politics; and "Oratorio for the Accession of Leopold II" (woO88).

5. Beethoven’s death

Beethoven had no relatives around him. Only his brother Karl left him a nephew. He pinned his hopes on little Karl. He wanted to lead little Karl to the path of higher education, and planned countless wonderful futures for his nephew. But little Karl failed to live up to his uncle's hopes. He went into business and ended up heavily in debt.

Forced by debt, he shot himself in the head, but he did not die. However, Beethoven suffered huge trauma and almost died. It took two days to remember again. When the doctor came, Beethoven's condition worsened. Although he underwent three surgeries, the treatment was ineffective and he finally breathed his last.