Module 2: Additional Activities
The Unheard Song of Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ludwig Van Beethoven is a German composer and a pianist. Born in 1770 in Bonn,
Germany as the son of a court musician, his talent for the piano was soon realized that
gave his first public performance at the age of eight. He was actually the third Ludwig
van Beethoven in his family raised by Johann Van Beethoven and Maria Magdalena
Keverich. As Ludwig van Beethoven to be the eldest, it was already expected of him to
possess immense talent. How immense it was that he began to have difficulty in hearing.
But his talent was well-nurtured by Wolfgang Amadeus, John Sebastian Bach, and Joseph
Haydn -that made the music history detailed his name. Despite being deaf, Beethoven
remains one of the most admired composers in the history; his works rank amongst the
most performed of the classical music that resulted to the transition from the Classical
period to the Romantic era in classical music.
His works that paved the way to rapturous applaud were: Septet, Op. 20 -this
charming piece for seven instruments was one of Beethoven’s first ‘hits’ with musical
society; Moonlight Sonata, No. 14 Op. 27 -a hugely famous piece, with a slow, dark first
movement. The story goes that the name was inspired by moonlight Beethoven saw while
he improvised away on the piano; and Adelaide, Op. 46. -Beethoven’s most popular song.
The lyrics are about idealized love for an unattainable woman, an experience which
Beethoven had many times in his life.
Truly it was ruined by the ailment he developed, "If I belonged to any other
profession it would be easier, but in my profession it is a frightful state" - Beethoven. His
fear continued him to compose and perform music by curling his body around the
keyboard and used a wooden stick between his teeth to feel the vibrations and convert it
to notes as to his compositions.
Beethoven's optimism and determination to do what he loved broke the boundary of
talent and disability. His passion towards music is uncomprehensive; That his works led
to the greatest achievement -to gain reputation in the world of literature. After he died,
many sought to do what he did. But no one was able to redo history again.