On This Day

In Vienna, 22-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven receives his first lesson in music composition from 60-year-old Franz Joseph

In Vienna, 22-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven receives his first lesson in music composition from 60-year-old Franz Joseph Haydn

Ludwig van Beethoven (baptised 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. One of the most revered figures in the history of Western music, his works rank among the most performed of the classical music repertoire and span the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era. Beethoven's early period, during which he forged his craft, is typically considered to have lasted until 1802. From 1802 to around 1812, his middle period showed an individual development from the styles of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and is sometimes characterised as heroic. During this time, Beethoven began to grow increasingly deaf.

Historical Significance

Ludwig van Beethoven (baptised 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist.

Key People

Ludwig van Beethoven

composer

German composer

Joseph Haydn

Musician

Austrian composer

Events Before

  1. Long-distance communication speeds up with the unveiling of a semaphore machine in Paris

    Long-distance communication speeds up with the unveiling of a semaphore machine in Paris

  2. Constitution of May 3 is proclaimed by the Great Sejm (Parliament) of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the first mode

    Constitution of May 3 is proclaimed by the Great Sejm (Parliament) of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the first modern constitution in Europe

  3. The new French Constitution, declaring France a constitutional monarchy, is passed by the National Assembly during the F

    The new French Constitution, declaring France a constitutional monarchy, is passed by the National Assembly during the French Revolution

  4. Wolfgang Mozart's dramatic opera "La Clemenza di Tito" premieres at the Estates Theatre in Prague

    La clemenza di Tito (The Clemency of Titus), K. 621, is an opera seria in two acts composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to an Italian libretto by Caterino Mazzolà, after Pietro Metastasio.

  5. Emma, Lady Hamilton (26) marries Sir William Hamilton (60) at St Marylebone Parish Church in London

    Emma, Lady Hamilton, was an English model, dancer and actress. She began her career in London's demi-monde, becoming the mistress of a series of wealthy men, culminating in the naval hero Lord...

Events After

  1. French King Louis XVI sentenced to death by the National Convention during the French Revolution

    Louis XVI was the last king of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution.

  2. Louis XVI of France is executed by guillotine in Paris, following his conviction for high treason by the newly formed Na

    Louis XVI of France is executed by guillotine in Paris, following his conviction for high treason by the newly formed National Convention during the French Revolution

  3. Scottish explorer Alexander Mackenzie completes the first European east-to-west crossing of America north of Mexico

    Sir Alexander Mackenzie (1764 – 12 March 1820) was a Scottish-Canadian explorer and fur trader known for accomplishing the first crossing of North America north of Mexico by a European in 1793.

  4. Alexander aged 15, later Tsar Alexander I, grandson of Catherine the Great, marries German princess Louise of Baden (Eli

    Alexander aged 15, later Tsar Alexander I, grandson of Catherine the Great, marries German princess Louise of Baden (Elizabeth Alexeievna) aged14

  5. The wedding of Prince Friedrich Ludwig of Prussia and Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz takes place.

    The wedding of Prince Friedrich Ludwig of Prussia and Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz takes place.

More from the 1790s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on December 12, 1792?
Ludwig van Beethoven (baptised 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. One of the most revered figures in the history of Western music, his works rank among the most performed of the classical music repertoire and span the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era. Beethoven's early period, during which he forged his craft, is typically considered to have lasted until 1802.
Why is In Vienna, 22-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven receives his first lesson in musi... significant?
Ludwig van Beethoven (baptised 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist.
Who was involved in In Vienna, 22-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven receives his first lesson in musi...?
Key figures include Ludwig van Beethoven (composer), Joseph Haydn (Musician).

Explore More