Beethoven is traveling to Vienna. What does he
need to pack; does he have a cell phone, or an MP3
player? What does he need to do his job, or stay in
touch with family? Draw or write your ideas below!
My
Beethoven’s
Conversation
Book
Beethoven’s Best!
Name: ___________________________
© Vancouver Symphony 2012/13
Symphony No. 9: Ode to Joy
Lyrics by Evan Mitchell
Now describe the same piece of music without talking
about what it sounded like. For example, what would
it look like? Or feel like to touch? Would it be smooth
or slippery? And would it smell like muffins baking,
or fall leaves? Show your ideas below.
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by
Assistant Conductor
Gordon Gerrard
February 27, 28 & March 6, 2013
10AM and 12PM
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Listen to a piece of music - maybe one by Beethoven!
What did you hear? Tell a classmate or family member.
Did it get loud or soft? What instruments were playing?
Leave room for them to reply: _____________________
Did you know that Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the
greatest composers of all time, was deaf? He began
to lose his hearing when he was 26 years old and by
the time he composed his famous 9th Symphony, he
couldn’t hear anything at all.
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
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Draw Beethoven’s Piano:
Beethoven found ways to compensate for his
hearing loss. He had the legs taken off of his
grand piano, so that he could feel the vibrations
through the floor.
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He also communicated with his friends and family through
a series of notebooks, or conversation books. There were
over 400 in total! Because of these books, we know a lot
more than we otherwise would have, about Beethoven’s
thoughts on music and life!
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