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Ludwig van Beethoven |
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Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, German on December 16, 1770. He studied music with his father, Johann, a singer and instrumentalist, and with organist C.G. Neefe. By the age of 12, Beethoven had his first music published. In 1792, he moved to Vienna and studied composition and counterpoint with Haydn, Schenk, Salieri and Albrechtsberger. Beethoven was also a piano virtuoso, and played at private houses and palaces. Beethoven's most original early writing was for his own instrument. In what is know as his early period, Beethoven wrote the piano sonatas the Pathetique in 1799 and the Moonlight in 1801. During this time he also wrote the first three piano concertos, his first two symphonies and a set of six string quartets. 1802-1812 is known as Beethoven's middle period. He wrote Symphonies Nos. 3 - 8, Piano Concerto No. 5 and numerous chamber pieces. In this period, Beethoven also suffered considerable hearing loss, which prevented him from public performing. For a few years after 1812, Beethoven was fairly unproductive and suffering from depression. He did begin composing again, and the late period produced many great works, such as the late string quartets, a mass, the Hammerklavier and the Choral Symphony, No.9 . Beethoven died on March 26, 1827, a beloved public figure, with thousands attending his funeral. |