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The electors of Cologne resided in Bonn from the 16th century until 1794. In this palace, now the main building of the university, concerts, opera and church music were part of the courtly representation that Beethoven grew up with. He benefited from the fact that Elector Max Franz was a great lover of music.
The court musician
"Bönnsches Ballstück", depiction of a masked ball in Bonn Palace in the 18th century.
At the age of 13, Beethoven received his first paid position as second court organist. He played here in the palace church, which was rebuilt in 1779 after a fire, and at concerts. In 1789, he was offered a position as violist in the court orchestra. At the time, it was considered one of the best German orchestras. He also took part in many performances at the palace theater.
Mozart's operas were particularly popular. In the orchestra, Beethoven directly experienced the effect of the music on the audience. This inspired him to compose variations on the most catchy arias.
English: Electoral Palace Chapel
Court musician
"Bonn Ball", depiction of a masked ball in Bonn Castle in the 18th century.
From the 16th century until 1794, the Cologne Electors resided in Bonn. In this castle, today the main building of Bonn University, concerts, opera and church music were part of the prestigious court life Beethoven grew up with. He benefited from the fact that Elector Max Franz was a great lover of music.
At the age of 13, Beethoven got his first paid appointment as deputy court organist. He played in the Castle Church which had been rebuilt in 1779 after a fire, and in concerts. In 1789, he was appointed to the court orchestra as a viola player. At the time, this was considered one of the best German orchestras. He also participated in many theater performances at the Castle Theatre.
Mozart's operas were particularly popular. Playing in the orchestra, Beethoven directly experienced the effect music had on the audience. This inspired him to compose variations on the catchiest arias.
Français: Electoral Palace Chapel
Musician à la cour
"Scène de bal à Bonn", représentation d'un bal masqué au château de Bonn au XVIIIe siècle
Les princes-électeurs de Cologne résidèrent à Bonn du XVIe siècle à 1794. Dans ce château, actuel bâtiment principal de l'université, les concerts, les opéras et la musique sacrée avaient fonction usuelle de représenter la cour, cadre dans lequel Beethoven grandit. He benefited from the fact that the prince-elector Max Franz was a great musician.
At the age of 13, Beethoven was engaged as second organist at the court. Among other things, he played at the château's church, which was reconstructed in 1779 after a fire. In 1789, he became an altiste at the Chapelle de la Cour, then considered to be one of the best orchestras in Germany. He also took part in many performances at the château's theater.
Mozart's operas were particularly appreciated. In the chapel, Beethoven gained direct experience of the effect of music on the public. This inspired him to compose numerous variations on the most entraining airs.
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