Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German composer and piano virtuoso.  He is known by many classical music lovers as the composer of the famous 5th Symphony and the 9th Symphony with its ‘Ode to Joy.’

After Beethoven’s death, musicologists discovered five pieces by Beethoven for musical clock or mechanical organ.

Musical clocks were very popular in the 18th and 19th century among aristocrats.  J. Haydn, W.A. Mozart, and G.F. Handel also wrote music for musical clocks.

Here is Beethoven’s suite, Fünf Stücke für Flötenuhr:

1. Allegro non più molto
2. Allegretto
3. Adagio assai
4. Scherzo, allegro
5. Allegro