Beethoven was born in Bonn in Germany, his mother a singer in the service of the Elector of Köln (Cologne). His father was weak-spirited and drank excessively, but he recognized the boy's talent and was disappointed when the young Beethoven failed to emulate Mozart as a child prodigy. Nevertheless, Beethoven soon held positions as harpsichordist in the court theatre and assistant organist in the Electoral chapel, where he obtained his first lessons in composition from the court organist. During his first visit to Vienna in 1787 Beethoven impressed Mozart with his improvisations at the keyboard. By the time he returned to Vienna i