Beethoven Would be a Soundcloud Nightmare
“Beethoven. Soundcloud links. Check out my new mix guysss this s**t’s TIGHT #9thsymphony #composer #songoftheday #newmusic #odetojoy #newmix #deaf.” This hilarious and outlandish theory on Beethoven’s Facebook persona is perfection. But would this fit his personality type? Ludwig von Beethoven (December 1770 – March 1827) is widely regarded as the greatest composer who ever lived, in no small part because of his ability—unlike any before him—to translate feeling into music. His most famous compositions included Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. So we know of his great achievements in the musical world, but let’s look at his personality. According to most accounts, he had a forceful, magnetic personality and many friends. But he was hot-tempered, often ill-mannered… oftentimes suspicious.
Politically speaking, Beethoven was initially a supporter of Napoleon, and meant to dedicate the Third Symphony to him. The dedication was angrily crossed out when Napoleon declared himself Emperor, in 1802. So he also seemed to be very open about expressing his opinions. One peer made an observation of his personality and general countenance: “Beethoven’s behavior was as erratic as his complex personality might lead one to expect. He rarely stayed in one abode for long; domestic comforts were apparently unimportant to him and he lived in a state of disorderliness which shocked many observers; he was unable to exercise control over his household affairs, and he became increasingly negligent over his dress.”