biographical info
Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most influential composers in human history, and was a key figure in the shift from Classical to Romantic music.
He was born in Bonn, Germany in 1770, and moved to Vienna in his early 20s, where he studied with Joseph Haydn, and quickly developed a reputation as a virtuosic pianist.
Beethoven’s first public performance was in Vienna in March of 1795.
He wrote nine symphonies and a dozen pieces of “occasional” music, as well as seven concerti and four shorter works for soloists and orchestra. His only opera is Fidelo, and his other works for orchestra with vocal accompaniment include two masses.
His compositions for piano include 32 piano sonatas, 10 violin sonatas, five cello sonatas, and a sonata for French horn. He also wrote a significant amount of chamber music.
He began to lose his hearing in the late 1790s, but continued to compose, conduct and perform – even after he had gone completely deaf.
Ludwig van Beethoven died on Monday, March 26, 1827. His funeral procession drew an estimated 20,000 Viennese citizens; Franz Schubert was one of the torchbearers.
His works have endured through the centuries, and continue to be performed around the globe.