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 …
Johann van Beethoven, father of the legendary composer Ludwig van Beethoven, played a significant role in shaping the musical genius we know today. Despite facing personal and professional challenges throughout his life, Johann’s influence on Ludwig’s early musical education laid the foundation for his later success. This is a short biography of Johann van Beethoven, focusing on his relationship with …
What are the Diabelli Variations? The Diabelli Variations, also called Op.120, are 33 short pieces Beethoven composed, based on a waltz tune written by Anton Diabelli. Diabelli invited a number of composers in Vienna and the Austrian Empire to write variations on his theme for solo piano, that he would publish in Vaterländischer Künstlerverein, in two parts. Part …