beethoven

Everyday

(a name) Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827), a German composer, one of the most famous in history; he kept writing music even after he became deaf. tree →

In the lessons

In music lessons children hear his Fifth Symphony (da-da-da-DUM), «Für Elise» and the «Ode to Joy». His story is told as an example of not giving up. Beethoven is also the name of a St Bernard dog in a family film.

Examples

• Beethoven wrote nine symphonies. tree →
• I'm learning «Für Elise» by Beethoven on the piano. tree →
• Beethoven went deaf but kept composing. tree →
• The orchestra played Beethoven's Fifth. tree →
• Our class listened to the «Ode to Joy» by Beethoven. tree →
• In the film, Beethoven is a huge, messy dog. tree →

Note

A name, so write it with a capital B. Say BAY-toe-ven. The «van» in his name is Dutch-style, not German «von».