Beethoven was forced to into Music
Beethoven was raised by musicians. Beethoven's father, Johann van Beethoven, wanted to turn his son into a child prodigy like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart but failed since he knew his son adored playing the piano. No of the hour, day or night, Beethoven was compelled to practice in order to attain the prodigy level. Beethoven's father served as his first music instructor. Later, he received instruction from various local musicians, including court organist Gilles van den Eeden (d. 1782), family friend and keyboard tutor Tobias Friedrich Pfeiffer, relative and violin and viola teacher Franz Rovantini, and royal concertmaster Franz Anton Ries for the violin.
In the sixth year, his tuition was due. He frequently shed tears as a result of the strict and demanding schedule. There were sporadic late-night sessions with the involvement of the insomniac Pfeiffer, where the young Beethoven was pulled from his bed to the keyboard. At a young age, his musical skill was evident. Johann attempted to portray his son as a child prodigy by claiming that Beethoven was six years old on the posters for his debut performance in public in March 1778, despite the fact that Beethoven was actually seven. Johann was aware of Leopold Mozart's successes in this area (with his son Wolfgang and daughter Nannerl).
Mozart and Beethoven did interact in 1787. By that period, the young Beethoven had been named continuo player for the Bonn opera and had published a piece (Nine Variations on a March by Dressler in 1783) as well. Mozart reportedly told Beethoven after their meeting, "This young man will make a great reputation for himself in the world." Beethoven was a viola player in the Bonn orchestra three years later when composer Joseph Haydn "found" him and took him under his wing. Beethoven permanently departed Bonn in 1792. His musical mementos included the Bonn orchestra's trademark "Mannheim rockets," abrupt pianos, and startling outbursts. In Beethoven's later works, these components are heavily featured.
