Ludwig van Beethoven is a legendary composer and pianist hailing from Germany. Many of his works are considered masterpieces and recognizable even by non-classical listeners.
Indeed, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and the three movements of Moonlight Sonata are incredibly popular.
Additionally, you may have heard stories of the composer’s father and are curious about his family background and siblings.
So, here is all the information on Ludwig van Beethoven’s parents, Maria Magdalena Keverich and Johann van Beethoven.
Beethoven’s Parents’ Love Life
Johann met his eventual wife, Maria Magdalena Keverich while visiting Ehrenbreitstein. At the time, Maria was a widow since her ex-husband, also named Johann, died.
Thus, they married on November 12, 1767, at Bonn. Likewise, they had a Catholic wedding and had seven children in total.
However, Johann was an alcoholic and abused his children. Additionally, his situation worsened when his wife died in 1787.
Then, Johann later died a few years later.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Mother, Maria Magdalena Keverich
Maria Magdalena Keverich was born on December 19, 1746, in Ehrenbreitstein, which is a small town on the great Rhine river.
Moreover, she had five other siblings and was the youngest in her family.
Additionally, before she was married to Johann, she was first married to Johann Georg Leym, who worked in a church.
Then, she died when she was 40 years old of tuberculosis. Furthermore, Maria’s birthplace was turned into a museum called the Mutter-Beethoven-Haus.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Father, Johann van Beethoven
Johann van Beethoven was a musician from Germany with Flemish roots. Additionally, he was a known alcoholic and drunkard.
Likewise, he was extremely strict and harsh with his son, Ludwig.
Indeed, once Johann realized Ludwig had talent on the piano, he taught and abused him if his son failed to perform.
On December 18, 1792, Johann died shortly after his son relocated to further his piano studies.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Siblings
Johann and Maria had a big family with over seven children. However, only three survived to become adults.
Indeed, the rest died shortly after a birth or a few years after.
Ludwig was the second born, followed by Kaspar and Nikolaus. The former helped Ludwig initially with selling music.
On the other hand, the latter worked as a pharmacist and had his store.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Wikipedia – info
| Full Name | Ludwig Van Beethoven |
| Profession | Compose and pianist |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1770 |
| Place of Birth | Bonn, Germany |
| Status | Deceased |
| Age at death | 56 |