background

= = = __**Background**__ =


 * Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany and was one of seven children in the family, four of whom died at infancy. He inherited his musical talent from his grandfather, Louis van Beethoven, who was employed at the court of the Elector of Cologne.


 * Louis was a capable musician and eventually became the Elector's Director of Music.


 * Beethoven's father, Johann, was also employed there as a musician but had limited talent and a very aggressive personality.


 * Johann was disappointed with Beethoven because he did not become a child prodigy like Mozart but he saw the potential in Beethoven.


 * However, he drank excessively and was cruel to Beethoven.


 * The birth of Beethoven is unknown but it is thought to have been 16 or 17 December, 1770.


 * Most scholars think that Beethoven's birthdate is 16 December 1770.


 * Beethoven was the eldest in his family and he was closest to his mother, who was described as gentle, loving and kind. He called his mother his 'best friend'.