Ludwig van Beethoven undoubtedly ranks as the Bonn court’s most famous alumnus. Beginning at the age of 13, he was engaged as an organist and eventually became violist in the court orchestra. His experiences in the operatic productions of 1789-1792, putting him in intimate contact with the most current works of Vienna, Paris, and German musical centers, must have provided him with a formidable musical education.

Among the topics in this section are:

A school of whiz kids: Beethoven as one among many young musical geniuses

Ludwig van Beethoven: a knowledgeable opera connoisseur?

Opera as mass media and a common musical language

A curious IOU, or, Beethoven borrows music from his boss

Joseph Neesen, Beethoven at the age of 16
© Beethoven-Haus Bonn, click to enlarge

ABOUT THIS PICTURE

This 1786 silhouette by Joseph Neesen is the earliest authenticated likeness of Beethoven, depicting him at the age of 16. Picture used with permission from the Beethoven-Haus Bonn.