Beethoven remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers. source
Beethoven remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers.
Of the seven children born to Johann van Beethoven, only Ludwig, the second-born, and two younger brothers survived infancy. source
Of the seven children born to Johann van Beethoven, only Ludwig, the second-born, and two younger brothers survived infancy.
In March 1787 Beethoven travelled to Vienna, possibly at another's expense, for the first time, apparently in the hope of studying with Mozart. source
In March 1787 Beethoven travelled to Vienna, possibly at another's expense, for the first time, apparently in the hope of studying with Mozart.
Having learned that his mother was ill, Beethoven returned about two weeks after his arrival in Vienna. source
Having learned that his mother was ill, Beethoven returned about two weeks after his arrival in Vienna.
Beethoven came to the attention of Count Ferdinand von Waldstein, who became a lifelong friend and financial supporter. source
Beethoven came to the attention of Count Ferdinand von Waldstein, who became a lifelong friend and financial supporter.
In 1789 Beethoven obtained a legal order by which half of his father's salary was paid directly to him for support of the family. source
In 1789 Beethoven obtained a legal order by which half of his father's salary was paid directly to him for support of the family.
Beethoven contributed further to the family's income by playing viola in the court orchestra. source
Beethoven contributed further to the family's income by playing viola in the court orchestra.
Beethoven composed four works for mandolin, none of which were published during his lifetime. source
Beethoven composed four works for mandolin, none of which were published during his lifetime.
Beethoven was probably first introduced to Joseph Haydn in late 1790, when the latter was travelling to London and stopped in Bonn around Christmas time. source
Beethoven was probably first introduced to Joseph Haydn in late 1790, when the latter was travelling to London and stopped in Bonn around Christmas time.
Carl Czerny wrote of Krumpholz that he was one of the first to recognize Beethoven's genius. source
Carl Czerny wrote of Krumpholz that he was one of the first to recognize Beethoven's genius.
Beethoven left Bonn for Vienna in November 1792, amid rumours of war spilling out of France; he learned shortly after his arrival that his father had died source
Beethoven left Bonn for Vienna in November 1792, amid rumours of war spilling out of France; he learned shortly after his arrival that his father had died
Beethoven did not immediately set out to establish himself as a composer, but rather devoted himself to study and performance. source
Beethoven did not immediately set out to establish himself as a composer, but rather devoted himself to study and performance.
Beethoven composed his first six string quartets (Op. 18) between 1798 and 1800 (commissioned by, and dedicated to, Prince Lobkowitz). source
Beethoven composed his first six string quartets (Op. 18) between 1798 and 1800 (commissioned by, and dedicated to, Prince Lobkowitz).
In May 1799, Beethoven taught piano to the daughters of Hungarian Countess Anna Brunsvik. source
In May 1799, Beethoven taught piano to the daughters of Hungarian Countess Anna Brunsvik.
Beethoven is acknowledged as one of the giants of classical music. source
Beethoven is acknowledged as one of the giants of classical music.
Beethoven composed in several musical genres and for a variety of instrument combinations. source
Beethoven composed in several musical genres and for a variety of instrument combinations.