Today, 235 years ago, was the date of Ludwig van Beethoven’s baptism (which many celebrate as the exact date of his birth is unknown).

In celebration of this great composer (who even has his own website), Music Celebrations International would like to mention some of the many Beethoven sites in Europe that can be visited as part of the American Celebration of Music.

Bonn: The house and museum - Beethoven-Haus: Beethoven’s birthplace, at Bonn, is in the road ‘Bonngasse’. A plaque tells us that “In this house Ludwig van Beethoven was born, December 17th 1770″. Nicely kept and restored, the house has been turned into a museum.

Bonn: the statue of Ludwig van Beethoven: Franz Liszt is responsible for this statue of Beethoven at Bonn. He contributed not only financially and personally but also organised concerts from which the funds were put towards the statue. For the unveiling, Franz Liszt composed and conducted his “Cantata for the inauguration of the Beethoven Monument”.

Bonn: Beethon: “Beethon”, is the title of this astonishing sculpture. Made in concrete by Klaus Kammerichs, unveiled in 1986.

Beethoven at Leipzig: the statue by Max Klinger: This statue is more than three metres tall. It’s kept at the Museum der Bildenden Künste at Leipzig.

Berlin - Tiergarten: There is a nice monument dedicated to German composers at the Tiergarten at Berlin. On the three sides are figures of Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart.

The busts by Anton Dietrich: Anton Dietrich (1799-1872) created two busts of Beethoven. The first was made in 1821. This bust is kept at the History Museum of Vienna. The second was comissioned by the Opera of Vienna (the “Wiener Staatsoper”) and was sculpted in 1867. The plastic model can be found in the great hall at the Musikvereinin Vienna.

Vienna: The statue of Ludwig van Beethoven: erected at the Beethovenplatz, near the Konzerthaus, at Vienna.

Beethoven’s graves: He was buried in Wahring Cemetery in 1827; in 1888 his remains were removed to Zentral-friedhof in Vienna - a great resting place for musicians - where he lies side-by-side with Schubert.