Beethoven, during his life visited Prague three times. This article will follow him and the events of these occasions. In February 1796, Beethoven’s friend and patron Prince Karl Lichnowsky took the young composer on a concert tour, just as he did seven years before with Mozart. Presumably the Prince was hoping for similar success with his new protégé. In Prague …
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 …
Our letter to Beethoven on his 250th birthday! Dear Ludwig! Happy Birthday to You! I’m sorry Mate, but some facts must be stated here: you are 250 years old! There it goes, I said it! 2020 was supposed to be fun, a whole year to remember and celebrate you! In the beginning of the year, being a European citizen, my …
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 …