Ludwig Van Beethoven

Born in Bonn, Germany.

Travelled to Vienna. This was the turning point in his career. He met Mozart, who would later be his teacher.

Travelled Vienna again after returning to Bonn because of his mother's death. He received instruction from Haydn. From this point on, Vienna really became his home.

Wrote "Symphony No. 1 in C major, Opus 21" and "Pathétique Sonata Opus 13".

Depression hit. He wrote his Heiligenstadt Testament, a letter to his brothers which records his thoughts of suicide due to his growing deafness and records his resolution to continue living for and through his art.

Wrote "Symphony No. 2 in D major, Opus 36".

After writing "Symphony No. 3 in Eb major, Opus 55", he decided to name it after Napoleon Bonaparte, the First Consul of France, as he compared him to the greatest consuls of ancient Rome. After putting the final touches to hos symphony, he was told that Napoleon had declared himself Emperor of France. Beethoven was furious. He was disappointed with Napoleon and decided to change the name to "Sinfonia Eroica".

The third Symphony premiered.

Wrote "Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Opus 60".

Wrote his famous "Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Opus 67" and "Symphony No. 6 in F major 'Pastoral', Opus 68".

He was almost completely deaf by now. He gave up performing and appearing in public. His last piano concerto "Piano Concerto No. 5, Opus 73", known as 'Emperor', was premiered.

Went through a difficult emotional period. His personal appearance degraded. He wrote "Symphony No. 7 in A major, Opus 92".

Wrote "Symphony No. 8 in F major, Opus 93" which is the third and last version of Fidelio, his only opera.

Spent these years between taking care of his brother Kaspar and the legale dispute with Kaspar's wife over custody of their son Karl after his death. He wrote different overtures, piano sonatas and other work.

Wrote "Symphony No. 9 in D minor 'Choral', Opus 125", known as Ode to Joy, his final complete symphony.

He hastily set out for Vienna in a rickety, uncovered cart, which belonged to a local milkman. The bad weather encountered on this trip would have fatal consequences for Beethoven. Pneumonia was diagnosed, which was further complicated by hydropsy and surgery was carried out.

Beethoven died on March 26, 1827, at the age of 56, of post-hepatitic cirrhosis of the liver. On the day of his death, at about five in the evening, a violent storm broke out over the city, flashes of lightning illuminating the bedroom. Beethoven had his last breath. Outside it began to snow.