As a music historian, I am often asked about the intriguing stories surrounding the lives and deaths of the great composers. Beethoven, one of the most revered figures in the history of Western classical music, has a fascinating tale of his burial and the person who rests beside him.

Ludwig van Beethoven, the German composer and pianist, passed away on March 26, 1827, in Vienna, Austria. His funeral procession was a grand affair, attended by thousands of mourners and featuring a procession of torchbearers, one of whom was the composer Franz Schubert. Schubert, who was a great admirer of Beethoven's work, was deeply affected by his death.

Franz Schubert, another prodigious composer of the time, was born in Vienna in 1797 and died there in 1828. Schubert was a contemporary of Beethoven and was greatly influenced by his music. It is said that Schubert attended Beethoven's funeral and was one of the torchbearers who led the way to the cemetery. This act of respect was a testament to the profound impact Beethoven had on Schubert's life and work.

The cemetery where Beethoven was initially buried was the Wahring Cemetery, which was a common burial ground for many notable figures of the time. However, this cemetery, along with others in Vienna, was closed in the 1870s due to overcrowding and health concerns. The remains of many individuals, including those of Beethoven and Schubert, had to be relocated.

On September 22, 1888, both Beethoven and Schubert were reinterred in the Zentralfriedhof, which is the central cemetery of Vienna. This cemetery is a vast, park-like area that is the final resting place for many famous Austrians. The decision to move Beethoven and Schubert to the Zentralfriedhof was not only a practical one but also a symbolic gesture, as it brought two of Vienna's most celebrated composers together in a place of honor.

The Zentralfriedhof is divided into several sections, and Beethoven and Schubert were placed in the Hofstetten section, which is dedicated to notable individuals. Their graves are marked by impressive monuments, and the site has become a pilgrimage destination for music lovers and scholars alike.

The story of Beethoven and Schubert's burial is not just a tale of two great composers; it is also a reflection of the cultural and historical significance of their music. Their works continue to inspire and influence musicians and listeners around the world, and their final resting place serves as a reminder of their enduring legacy.

In conclusion, the person buried next to Beethoven is Franz Schubert, a composer who held Beethoven in high esteem and was deeply influenced by his music. Their shared resting place in the Zentralfriedhof is a testament to their contributions to the world of music and the enduring impact of their compositions.

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Franz SchubertFranz Schubert was one of the 36 torchbearers; he would be buried near his idol a year and a half later. The cemetery was closed in the 1870s and on September 22, 1888, the remains of Beethoven and Schubert were transferred to the new Zentralfriedhof in Vienna.read more >>