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 …
1. What do we know about Beethoven’s Immortal Beloved letter? The famous love letter was found following Beethoven’s death in 1827 among his personal belongings by his secretary Anton Schindler. It was first published by Schindler himself 13 years later in his biography of the composer. The letter has been dated to 1812 when Beethoven was 41 years old, …
‘My soul is a passionate dancer; she dances to hidden music which only I can hear… Whatever police the world may prescribe to rule the soul, I refuse to obey them.’ In these lines written to her brother, Bettina Brentano, the phenomenally talented writer, artist and social activist expresses her soul’s meaning, the lifeblood of her character. For Bettina …
The aristocratic women close to Beethoven were all remarkable in their own unique ways. Antonie Brentano, one of the suggested recipients of the mysterious Immortal Beloved letter, dedicated much of her time to philanthropy, setting up charities and working with the poor in Frankfurt. Antonie was also a significant cultural figure, promoting the arts in the city. During her time …