The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1876-06-22
Beethoven.


This king of the orchestra was born in
1770, at Bonn, on the Rhine. His father
was a tenor singer in the Elector OF ColoRne's
chapel. OF Beethoven's childhood very lit
tie is known, save that twas passed in most
miserable poverty. He early eVinced a'lik-
ing of music, and his father, a very dissi-
pated man, hearing OF the great success Of
Mozart as an infant prodigy, conceived the
idea OF making the like of Ludwig. But the
plan pursued was far more likely TO deter
the child from learning anything, than from
acquiring a love for music; for often, when
his father, at a late hour, would return from
the beer houses, the poor boy was forced TO
get up and practice. till daybreak. But,
luckily, the child was transferred 70 another
teacher, and from that time on made rapid
progress. At the age OF eleven years he
played All Of Bach's preludes and figures for
pianos, besides many other works. ~
In the spring Of 1887 young Beethoven
started on a visit 20 the great art capital,
Vienna, where mozart and other great ar
fists were living, the chief object q his visit
being to obtain an interview with Mozart.
This was soon accomplished, and Ludwig
was requested TO plaE before the then great
idol of the musical world. A theme was
laid before him, on which he was requested
TO improvise, with what result we all know.
Mozart was struck with Il, and stood watch
ing with speechlese wonder every movement
of the lad; till, at last, while the genius
was winding up amid labyrinth OF meio-
dies, Mozart crept stealthily 70 another
room, where both critics and friends had
previously assembled, and, with has face
fall Of wonder and excitement, exclaimed,
Take care OF this youth; some day be will
make great stir IN the world.D
The affiiction which early came upon
Beethoven is thus described in his own
words: tte E 5i5l
Thus with passionate, lively tempea-
ment, keenly susceptible 20 the cbanas Of
society, was. forced early 10 separate my
self from men and lead solitary life. n at
times sought to break from my solitude,
how harshly was repulaed by the renewed
consciousness OF my affection, and pet IL
was impossible for me TO say 70 people:
''Speak louder shout am deaf" Nor
could j proclaim an Imperfection IN that
organ which in me should have been more
perfect than In others. What humiliation,
when some one near me heafs the note Of q
far-oh flute and do net, or the distant
Shepherds song and / do not.
By this terrible affection, 80 much worse
than blindness, he was Obliged, finally. 70
give up piano playing and conducting az
orchestra, and settle down 70 competition
for the rest Of bis life. To this hlct Of bis
deafness many tbeoreticsl writers on music
declare we owe the matchIess superiority af
many Of Beethovez's later works, for they
assert be caught the soul Of music, while
not annoyed Dy the imperfection Of sound.
Though Beethoven was BY no means 50
voluminous 3 composer ~ even Mozart,
still his works are much more fnisbed than
those Of any OF his predccesaoFa except
HAadel and Bach. His life WA simple and
nneventful. he was never married, 4snd
never even known % have love afIair-
A an instance Of the esteem 10 which he
was neld By the people Of Vieann, more
than Is. 900 Of the citizens followed bis re-
mains 70 the grave, where 3 tlmpIe stone
marks the last resting place Of The greatest
musician Of the present century.