Beethovens Biography
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Detailed biography of Beethoven's times and life
Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, on December 16 or 17, 1770. The town was a provincial center with prince and his court, and a university. Ludwig's father, Johann, held a minor singing post at the court; his mother, Maria, was the daughter of a court cook. They were an unfortunate family. Johann drank and raged, filling Ludwig's childhood with humiliating scenes. Maria Beethoven defended Ludwig against the abuses of his father, and the composer would honor her memory throughout his life, even as he tried to erase the memory of his father, Johann. When Ludwig revealed musical talent at an early age, Johann decided to exploit him, to create a child prodigy, as Mozart. In that spirit he started Ludwig's brutal training in music, trying to whip genius into him. Johann locked Ludwig in rooms for hours to practice harpsichord and violin. Ludwig first appeared as a performer before public at age 6, but made no great impression...