Many piano students have practiced “Für Elise” and thus become closer to the famous master. Moonlight Sonata, Pathétique or the 9th Symphony, from which the European Anthem comes, are immediately associated with the name: Ludwig van Beethoven. On the occasion of his 250th birthday, the German Mint will issue a 20 euro collector's coin on February 20, 2020.
The 20 euro silver coin for Ludwig van Beethoven's birthday shows a very powerful and present representation of the composer with a gesture that allows for various interpretations. The person celebrating his birthday is shown listening intently and internalizing what he has heard. At the same time, the viewer is invited to listen.
The story of the great composer began in Bonn. However, only the date of his baptism is known: December 17, 1770. Little Ludwig began his musical training under the strict wing of his father. He played his first concert at the age of seven. Early compositions and studies at the University of Bonn were the next steps. In 1792 he moved to Vienna and stayed there until his death on March 26, 1827.
If you quantify Ludwig van Beethoven's work, you get around 340 works. These include sonatas, piano concertos, string quartets, symphonies and the opera “Fidelio”. Beethoven was a perfectionist and was always keen on fine-tuning his compositions. A sense of duty and a brittle nature characterized his personality. Despite his early onset of hearing problems, which eventually culminated in complete deafness, Beethoven continued to compose diligently. He was only unable to complete the 10th Symphony.
