Beethoven Google Doodle Celebrates Composer’s 245th Birthday With Musical Puzzle

Today’s Google logo celebrating Ludwig van Beethoven’s 245th birthday may be the coolest Doodle of the year.

The animated logo is not only artful, set to lovely piano renditions of Beethoven’s music, but it doubles as a game where players must put Beethoven’s musical notes in order to make it to the symphony hall.

[blockquote cite = “Google Doodle Blog”]Today provided us a rare opportunity to construct a game in step with beautiful music, whose evocative moods, drama, lightness, and depth made conjuring visuals to match it rollickingly fun.[/blockquote]

Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony,” “Für Elise,” “Moonlight Sonata” and “Ninth Symphony” are all part of the game designed by Doodler Leon Hong, with help from an entire production team that included artist Nate Swinehart and engineers Jordan Thompson, Jonathan Shneier, Kris Hom and Charlie Gordon. The piano recording by Tim Shneier was produced by Gregory Capuano.

Once each song’s arrangements have been put in order, players hear the grand crescendo of the “Ninth Symphony,” followed by the option to search “Beethoven” or share the Doodle on social platforms and via email.

According to Google, the game is meant to mirror the hardships Beethoven suffered throughout his life. “It happens that our story isn’t much of a stretch in the broader context of Ludwig van Beethoven’s life, which saw more than its share of rotten luck,” reads the Google Doodle blog.

Here’s the intro to today’s Google Doodle, featuring one of Beethoven’s most famous compositions:

You can play the full game on Google’s home page today or on the Google Doodle Blog.