One of the most distinctive features of Beethoven’s appearance was his hair. As someone from the generation of the Revolution, he refused to use wigs (although he owned at least one that he had purchased upon arriving to Vienna, as a young man), and was often described as shaggy. Over the years many locks were cut from this famous head …
Yesterday, on March 22, 2023, in Current Biology a study was presented by a group of scientists. During their project they had analyzed eight different locks of hair that are known to come from the famous composer. The eight locks of hair For the study eight different locks were involved coming from public and private collections. These locks are …
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 is one of the most important piano works from the composer. It was completed in his middle period in 1804 and in many ways surpasses his previous piano sonatas. The name Waldstein comes from its dedication to his friend and patron, Count Waldstein. Sometimes this sonata is also called as …
Baden in German means baths and there are more Badens on the European continent. The one Beethoven visited so often is distinguished by the name Baden bei Wien, meaning Baden near Vienna. Today it is the capital of Baden District and located about 26 km south of Vienna. The area has 14 hot springs containing healthy minerals. Baden is surrounded …
One morning in Baden, during the summer break of Beethoven, Ries showed up at his teacher to practice piano. As he approached the apartment overheard Beethoven playing and improvising on his piano. He was working on the sonata that later became famous as the Appassionata. When finally entered the room he found the master looking out from his window. “We …
One day Ferdinand Ries got a money making opportunity from his teacher and mentor, Beethoven. A wealthy couple, Count Johann Georg Browne and his wife, were looking for a piano player who could entertain them and their guests in Baden. They were enthusiasts and previously generous patrons of Beethoven. No wonder, Ries had to play Beethoven music all the time…. …