What do the books on your shelf say about you? Thanks to the dedication and hard-work of the Beethoven-Haus Bonn, we know a fair amount about Beethoven’s taste in literature. Amongst the list of fine literature, non-fiction, and reference books, we can find a hidden gem: a spiritual text, containing one essay for every day of the year. This book …
This article will introduce one of Beethoven’s talented piano students, Carl Czerny (1791-1857). Czerny became a teacher himself at the age of 15, played in the premieres of Beethoven’s concertos and became a respected friend for life. He composed a vast library of pieces, numbering over 1000 and a large collection of piano study exercises which are still used today. …
Schuppanzigh (1776-1830) was Beethoven’s violin teacher, friend and lifelong champion from the composer’s arrival in Vienna until his passing. He rehearsed and performed the string quartets and played at the premiere of every symphony Beethoven composed. In this article, you will read about the relationship between Schuppanzigh and Beethoven, how the composer would mercilessly tease his friend about his weight, …
Prince Ferdinand Johann Nepomuk Kinsky (1781 – 1812) was born in Vienna, into the Habsburg monarchy. He was but 11 years old when the great composer, Beethoven, relocated to the city from Bonn in 1792. Despite his young age, Beethoven’s music made a deep and lasting impression upon the royal. As an adult, he became one of the composer’s important …
When did Beethoven compose The Tempest? Op. 31 No. 2, otherwise named The Tempest (Der Sturm in German) was written in the year 1802. This year held great significance in Beethoven’s life. The composer was in the depths of despair over his loss of hearing, and had been instructed to spend some time in the countryside by his personal physician. …
The relationship between Archduke Rudolf and Beethoven spanned two decades; he was Beethoven’s most dedicated patron, financial supporter, and piano and composition student. Archduke Rudolf was born in 1788, in Florence. He was the youngest son of Emperor Leopold II and Maria Louisa of Spain. He did not follow a career in the military like most of the men …