4 A Musical Genius Ludwig van Beethoven LOOD-vig VON BAY-toe-ven was a musical genius He created some of the most powerful classical music ever heard Beethoven had a difficult life But the music he wrote made people feel excited and happy
6 A Difficult Childhood Ludwig was probably born on December 16 1770 He was born in Bonn Germany His father and grandfather were both musicians They worked for a prince His mother took care of the family Ludwig had two older brothers who died before he was born and several younger siblings He was named after his grandfather B B SHARP No one is sure exactly when Beethoven was born He said he was born in 1772 But church records show he was baptized in 1770
DENMARK POMERANIA MECKLINBURG HANOVER Hanover PRUSSIA Berlin SAXONY HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE FRANCE Bonn Frankfurt SMALL GERMAN STATES BOHEMIA BAVARIA AUSTRIA PIEDMONT TYROL MILAN 7
