Subject: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 11 Dec 00 - 11:39 PM I like to celebrate Beethoven's birthday. I've never been able to get any kind of definitive answer to the big burning question. Is it on the 16th or the 17th of December? Anybody got any input on that? Anybody else like to celebrate the Big LvB? Carol
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Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Rick Fielding Date: 12 Dec 00 - 12:13 AM Not sure of the date Carol, but I'll hoist one for the Big Guy with you. I love Robert Johnson, Bix Beiderbecke, Django, Rachmaninov, Amadeus, and Petr Ilyitch.....but the Big Guy really was the master. Cheers. Rick |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 12 Dec 00 - 12:21 AM Personally, I have a non-celebration on the 16th in months where Friday the 13th falls on a Tuesday. I am not quite as old as Beethoven was when he began decomposing, although some have argued that he began the process some 54 years earlier. In general, it can be said that I'm much older than a lot of famous dead guys and while its true I have not written a definitive sequel to "Ode to Joy," this can be explained away easily as I use Dawn instead. The grease cutting ability of Dawn far outweighs the dubious attributes of a lemony scent or seeing myself in my plates, a feat better performed with a mirror anyway. I have however recently completed another opus which is still under review titled, "Ode to a Circumsized Dick" that I expect will replace "Ode to Joy" as a seasonal hit. Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 12 Dec 00 - 12:31 AM So Spaw, would you like a piece of pie or something? |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 12 Dec 00 - 12:37 AM Make it three eggs over easy, hash browns scattered, smothered, and covered, and a steak rare. Rye toast and coffee with cream.......and a glass of water. Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Allan C. Date: 12 Dec 00 - 12:46 AM 'Spaw, I will never feel the same about "coffee with cream" since your post long ago: http://www.mudcat.org/Detail.CFM?messages__Message_ID=109355 |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 12 Dec 00 - 12:50 AM My Gawd Allan........ You really have a memory don't you? Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Ebbie Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:35 AM Great story, Spaw. And Carol C, Beethoven deserves a 2-day celebration. Ebbie |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 12 Dec 00 - 05:18 AM Ebbie, I do believe you're right. Pie all around. We'll put it on Bert's tab. Carol |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Wolfgang Date: 12 Dec 00 - 05:45 AM Often questions like this (birthday) are easy to decide, not in this case. I did a search on German language websites for the words Beethoven AND 16. Dezember: about 280 sites have both entries. I did the same for 17. Dezember: 300 entries. Too close to call! One site had both dates and said: born presumably December, 16th, baptised December, 17th. Let's assume he was born during the night and there was no clock in the house. Wolfgang |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Mary in Kentucky Date: 12 Dec 00 - 07:37 AM CarolC, I think Linus (from Peanuts) and Carl Haas too, both celebrate it on the 16th. That's when I do. Mary |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Mary in Kentucky Date: 12 Dec 00 - 07:40 AM ...oops, not Linus, who's that other little guy that plays the piano, Schroeder? |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Whistle Stop Date: 12 Dec 00 - 09:03 AM I have always understood that Beethoven was born on December 16, 1770. It's interesting to note that Beethoven was an adult before he discovered that he had been born in 1770, rather than 1772. Apparently his father, who was impressed at how much money that "other" prodigy Mozart had made as a child star, told everyone that his son Ludwig was two years younger than he actually was, so that his playing would seem more impressive to audiences and patrons. Another factoid: scientists have recently analyzed a lock of Beethoven's hair, and found that it contains extremely high levels of lead. They theorize that his deafness, as well as the chronic abdominal problemns he experienced in adulthood, may have been the result of lead poisoning -- possibly caused by his unusual habit of bathing frequently (in water that was carried in lead pipes). If it's not obvious, Beethoven is one of my all-time heroes. His life story is an epic tale of one man's triumph over adversity. |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: kendall Date: 12 Dec 00 - 09:12 AM When you hear the word "Greatest" you think of Beethoven. |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Noreen Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:35 PM Beethoven shares my birthday on the 16th- it says so on all my calendars... Noreen |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:44 PM That's odd Kendall.......I think of Muhammed Ali. Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: kendall Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:46 PM ...hhmmm what did he write that will be around in 200 years? |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: mousethief Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:50 PM If the 16th is good enough for Schroeder, it's good enough for me. True story: Charles M. Schulz was visiting the gravesite of the great composer. Lots of people leave little mementoes on the grave; he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pin depicting Charlie Brown and left it on the grave. A German woman saw what he was doing, and said, ,,Nein! Nein! Nicht der Charlie Braun! Der Schröder!" Schulz of course fished around for a Schroeder pin and left that instead. Alex |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:54 PM Not much Kendall....but then I never play any Beethoven either. Spaw....Incredible Cretin |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Allan C. Date: 12 Dec 00 - 02:19 PM Kendall, I believe each of us has at least one moment of lucidity in which we say something worthwhile that has the potential for outliving us. "Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." -Muhammad Ali |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: NightWing Date: 12 Dec 00 - 03:00 PM Well, this site (about John Suchet's Mad About Beethoven books) says it best, I think.
1770 17 December - Beethoven baptised in the church of St Remigius, Bonn. The date of his birth is not recorded, but since it was customary for baptisms to take place within 24 hours of birth, it is likely he was born on 16 December. And, as MouseThief said, if it's good enough for Schroeder, it's good enough for me too. The epitome of the mad genius. What could the Ninth have been had he NOT lost his hearing? Two good Beethoven sites I found:
The Beethoven Reference Site
BB, |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 12 Dec 00 - 03:07 PM What could the Ninth have been had he NOT lost his hearing? Now mind you, I'm just guessing at this Night Wing, but I think it would still have been the ninth. As he lived before the new math took over, I see no other possibility. But if I'm wrong, may I put in a second guess at ten and three-eighths? Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: NightWing Date: 12 Dec 00 - 03:25 PM *groan* *LOL*
BB, |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: mousethief Date: 12 Dec 00 - 03:35 PM Are you suggesting, NightWing, that there is some part of the 9th which, had he been able to hear it, he would have said, "That sounds like Scheiße! Gotta rewrite THAT part!" |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Whistle Stop Date: 12 Dec 00 - 03:45 PM Actually, there was a good deal of sentiment at the time that the first three movements of the Ninth Symphony were brilliant, but the last movement (principally the choral setting of Schiller's "Ode to Joy") was second-rate. It's interesting that the tune for this choral section has since become one of the best-known themes in classical music. |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 14 Dec 00 - 07:20 AM Starting a countdown... There are two days left until the first of the two possible Beethoven's Birthdays. Saw a televised performance of the Ninth as interpreted by Mahler on PBS last night. Wanted to see Mrs. troll singing Klezmer music, but my local PBS station didn't carry it. The Ninth wasn't a bad consolation prize, though. Carol |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Rowana (at work) Date: 14 Dec 00 - 03:04 PM When cutting my birthday cake on December 16 I always wonder: Did Beethoven's spouse bake him a pound cake also? Noreen, in what year were you born? I'm 1952. Rowana |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: kendall Date: 14 Dec 00 - 03:22 PM you a cretin spaw? anyone who believes that will also believe there is going to be a RICHARD SIMMONS JR. |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 15 Dec 00 - 06:36 AM Well, kendall, there's a Michael Jackson Jr. (...Or something.) The countdown continues... One more day until the first of the two possible Beethoven's birthdays. Everybody got your CD players cued up? Pies out of the oven? Carol |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Noreen Date: 15 Dec 00 - 10:16 AM Gosh, Rowana, you're old.... *BG* Tomorrow I hope to know the answer to life, the universe and everything... (has that gained international currency yet, I wonder?) Happy Birthday, LvB and Rowana. Noreen |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: GUEST,rob b. Date: 15 Dec 00 - 12:37 PM hey carol C, i was wondering what you meant by beethoven's 9th interpreted by mahler... does that mean mahler was conducted (even though he died in 1911) or that it was in fact mahler's 9th. confused but interested... rob b. |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: mousethief Date: 15 Dec 00 - 03:21 PM Noreen, fergoshsakes, it's 42. What's the pie thing about? Alex |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Mary in Kentucky Date: 15 Dec 00 - 04:25 PM Rowana, I don't think there was a Mrs. Beethovan, but there was a Dearly Beloved. |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 15 Dec 00 - 04:44 PM Guest,rob b. I never heard of it either until the other night. Apparently Mahler mucked about with the score of the Ninth and generated a score of his own that is his interpretation of the Ninth. This interpretation/score is what they were playing from on the televised performance I saw/heard. Apparently it is a bit controversial. mousethief, Just my way of celebrating Beethoven's birthday. Been doing it since I was in high school. Pumpkin, to be precise, but it's not set in stone. Carol |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 15 Dec 00 - 04:52 PM Well Carol, I'm willing to go along with this sham just for you, but you can see from my first post that since Friday the 13th fell on a Wednesday instead of a Tuesday, the birthday should be the 17th. Like I say, since its you and all, I'll cut some slack. Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 15 Dec 00 - 04:57 PM Thanks, Spaw, seeing as how this is the only holiday I actually enjoy all year, and the rest leave me feeling highly traumatized, that's very charitable of you. Carol |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: mousethief Date: 15 Dec 00 - 05:00 PM I find it hard to believe you're highly traumatized by Groundhog Day, Carol, but if you say so, I'll try to believe you. |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 15 Dec 00 - 05:07 PM Alex, have you ever seen what that poor groundhog goes through when the Mayor of Punxatawny yanks the poor bugger out of his burrow and holds him up by the scruff of the neck in front of hoards of flashing lights and news reporters? It's enough to make anyone want to go back into his/her burrow. (Anyway, it always means six more weeks of winter.) Carol |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: mousethief Date: 15 Dec 00 - 05:28 PM Yeah, but it's my wife's birthday. We go outside, and if she sees her shadow, we go back inside and make mad, passionate love. If she doesn't see her shadow, we go back inside and make mad, passionate love. Either way, it's a great holiday. |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 15 Dec 00 - 11:36 PM One more reason for me to feel traumatized. That's one more day I know I won't be getting any. Geeze I really didn't have in mind for this to be a pity party. I just wanted to enjoy Beethoven's birthday. And I think that's exactly what I'm going to do. Anyone who cares to join me is welcome. The rest of you, sod off. Carol |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 15 Dec 00 - 11:42 PM Maybe you could get some off Beethoven. If not, try the groundhog. Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 15 Dec 00 - 11:52 PM Is this a recommendation from personal experience, Spaw? |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 15 Dec 00 - 11:58 PM Nah........I stick mainly with possums myself. As to necrophilia, it is illegal and you could get arrested.....Of course it wouldn't be a moving violation. Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Allan C. Date: 15 Dec 00 - 11:59 PM HooWee-e-e-e-e-e, Carol. It's here! (sorta) |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 16 Dec 00 - 12:01 AM Well, NOW it is. Break out the groundhogs!!!!!!!!! Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Allan C. Date: 16 Dec 00 - 12:06 AM Yeehah! Now, what was it we were going to do with all these groundhog pies I baked? |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 16 Dec 00 - 12:20 AM HAPPY BEETHOVEN'S BIRTHDAY!!! |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: mousethief Date: 16 Dec 00 - 02:37 PM da-da-da-dummmmmmm... I'm off to play some beethoven. On the stereo, I mean. I don't know any beethoven for guitar, which is hte only instrument i have any proficiency at all on. |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: R! Date: 16 Dec 00 - 09:12 PM Noreen, you are very naughty! My boss said the same thing yesterday afternoon. No worries, though. He'll catch up in two weeks and I'll get my own back then. Best friend came round to take me to lunch today and had LvB on the CD player,which is one of the reasons she's the "best" friend - always thinking of those wonderful touches. My old china, with Betty Crocker's assistance, came though with a pound cake. Happy birthday to everyone who celebrates a birthday today. May you all have pound cake and pie. |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: CarolC Date: 17 Dec 00 - 01:00 AM HAPPY OTHER BEETHOVEN'S BIRTHDAY!!! HAPPY OTHER BEETHOVEN'S BIRTHDAY!!! Pound cake and pie all around! (Allan and Spaw can have the goundhog pie all to themselves because we know how much they love it.) |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: catspaw49 Date: 17 Dec 00 - 04:08 PM As we approach the end of this two day orgy of frivolity and debauchery, we fling that last friv and feel totally bauched. Waht a gala celebration and we are forever in your debt Carol for bringing this delightful holiday to us. .....burp...............Hmmmm, groundhog's backin' up on me Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Beethoven's birthday From: Noreen Date: 19 Dec 00 - 11:12 AM Rowana, it was only in response to your "I'm 1952" comment- which makes you many times older than the luscious Ludwig, and considerably better preserved... Noreen |