willkommen-in-germany:Ludwig van Beethoven (Bonn, 1770-1827) was a German composer and pianist. A cr
willkommen-in-germany:Ludwig van Beethoven (Bonn, 1770-1827) was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western Art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers. His best-known compositions include 9 symphonies, 5 concertos for piano, 32 piano sonatas, and 16 string quartets. He also composed other chamber music, choral works (including the celebrated Missa solemnis), and songs. Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of the Holy Roman Empire, Beethoven displayed his musical talents at an early age and was taught by his father Johann van Beethoven and Christian Gottlob Neefe. During his first 22 years in Bonn, Beethoven intended to study with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and befriended Joseph Haydn. He moved to Wien (Vienna) and began studying with Haydn, quickly gaining a reputation as a virtuoso pianist. He lived in Wien until his death. In about 1800, his hearing began to deteriorate, and by the last decade of his life he was almost totally deaf. He gave up conducting and performing in public but continued to compose - many of his most admired works come from this period. -- source link