Ludwig van Beethoven's Birthday!

"Beethoven"
(C) Flickr Creative Commons, Francisco Anzola

"HISS! HISS! HISS! BEETHOVEN?? BEETHOVEN? Why in the world are we pawing about Beethoven Noah?"

"Woof, don't you have any culture, Samson? Though his exact birthday isn't certain, it may have been yesterday December 16th, but he was baptized on December 17, 1770! He was a great romantic composer of pawsome music! BARKS!"

"Meow! Silly boy! I have culture I just wondered why we are celebrating his birthday? Is he one of the guys that Dad likes to listen to his music while we are working? Hiss! He plays the stuff ALL DAY LONG! Gets a little annoying after a few minutes if you ask me!? Can we all say TURN ON THE ROCK 'N ROLL?"

"WOOF! Yes, Beethoven, actually Ludwig van Beethoven, is one of several composers who Dad loves their music. Beethoven was known for being instrumental in changing the world of music. Though he loved and was influenced by the Baroque and Classical music periods, he is known for taking his music in a different direction which led to what is known as the Romantic Period. Mozart and Haydn gave him lessons and instructions in music. Without Beethoven's influence, we could still be listening to Baroque or Classical music. Dad would like it but the rest of us would go a bit crazy.

What Dad finds fascinating about Beethoven's music was his ability to compose such awesome music while going deaf. His final Symphony, number 9, he never heard. When he finished conducting its performance, someone had to turn him around to face the audience so he'd know how much it was liked! WOOF!"

"Meow! Purrs! So purringly grand!"

"Beethoven wrote 9 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, a violin concerto, string quartets, a mass, and some choral pieces include including opera!

Don't like classical music? BARKS, you can be thankful for Beethoven who enabled music to go beyond its classical roots.

Beethoven would have been 249 years old. His birthday this year celebrates the beginning of a year of celebrations leading to his 250th!"

"Meow" "WOOF!" "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEETHOVEN!"