It was customary to have annual concerts in Vienna benefiting the widows of the Tonkünstler-Societät (Society of Musicians). In 1795, Gassmann, who was the organizer of such events, announced the date for March 29 and 30. The event would feature a vocal and an instrumental part. The vocal was a two parts oratorio by Antonio Cartellieri, titled Gioas, Re di …
We start a new series on Popular Beethoven Magazine, featuring anecdotes from Beethoven’s life. First of the many coming articles is about his horse. Beethoven and his horse It is hard to imagine something that is more strange than a horse-riding Beethoven! A man who lived in the city of Vienna, not owning a house or stable, but frequently moving …
There was a very serious rumor during his life spreading around Europe about Beethoven being an illegitimate son of the Prussian King. Sounds ridiculous, but even Beethoven was not quick to deny it! Let us find out more on this myth! Beethoven was well known throughout history for being a revolutionary, someone against classes and birth rights. If nothing else, …
Franz Gerhard Wegeler (22 August 1765 – 7 May 1848) was a childhood friend of Beethoven, someone important to him all his life. Despite their geographical distance and significant gaps in their intimate correspondence, Wegeler always remained a confidant and a reminder of their shared values learned in their youth, in Bonn. It is safe to say, Franz Wegeler was …
This is a biography of Ludwig van Beethoven the elder, grandfather of the famous composer, who was named after his grandpa. Both were talented musicians, but the grandchild is the one, who became a wonder of the World. The first documented Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1712 in the town of Malines, or Mechelen, duchy of Brabant. This is …
Did Beethoven drink coffee? What is Viennese-style coffee house? How and when all this coffee madness started? Continue reading this article and find out! History of Viennese coffee house culture Although Vienna was not the first city in Europe to have a coffee house, yet Viennese coffee culture was outstanding and very influential. North-Africa and the Middle-East already had …