Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. He is considered to be one of the greatest composers of all time, and his compositions helped mark the transition between the classical and romantic eras of classical music. Born in Bonn where he was taught by his father (Johann van Beethoven), his musical talent was evident at a very early age. He moved to Vienna at the age of 21, studying with Joseph Haydn. His reputation grew while in Vienna, and he was soon being courted by royal and courtly patrons. In the early 1800s, his hearing began to deteriorate, and continued to such an extent that he refused to perform or appear in public. It was during this time that he produced many of the works for which... more.