The anniversary of his death is a fitting time to remember the tremendous legacy of Ludwig van Beethoven who died on this date in 1827 in Vienna.  It seemed as though the entire city turned out for his funeral and the grief was both profound and widespread.  Last Saturday night I heard the Waco Symphony Orchestra play a movement from his Fifth Symphony (you can guess which one), and, despite the total familiarity with which we approach this piece, to hear it played live is still a bracing, even overwhelming, sensation.

A wonderful way to introduce children to Beethoven’s work is through a CD called “Beethoven Lives Upstairs,” from the “Classical Kids” series of recordings.  Narrated by a young boy, it tells a story that is illustrated by excerpts from Beethoven’s compositions, both great and small, and does so to great effect.  I’ve heard two children in particular humming and singing Beethoven as they go about their day after having listened to this in the car.  Perhaps we will do so again this afternoon, with a little added poignancy because of the date….