Ludwig van Beethoven - A Legend in his Time
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Considered one of the great composers in all of history, the German composer Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany on December 16, 1770. Most famous for his compositions, he was also an accomplished pianist, conductor and violinist.
Beethoven the Freelancer
In his early twenties, Beethoven studied with Joseph Haydn. Haydn was a famous Austrian composer who had already achieved fame and fortune. Haydn was a suitable teacher and role model who had successfully forged his own freelance career, a track Beethoven sought as well—free from the grips and control of the popular patrons of the era: the Church and government officials. Following Haydn’s lead, Beethoven sold his compositions to publishers, gave concerts and taught music lessons. He was also able to gain financial support from some of his wealthier patrons. He would freelance for most of his life.
Hearing Loss and Depression
Beethoven started losing his hearing in his late twenties due to a severe case of Tinnitus. Although it was a gradual process, eventually he became totally deaf and though he kept working, he was often depressed and avoided conversation. He never married. Because he was deaf, he wrote conversation books about his music and his feelings. Known as the Heiligenstadt Testament, he wrote a letter to his brothers which told of his depression and served as a will of sorts. He ended up leaving his fortune to them. It was Beethoven’s desire for the world to see the famous letter so everyone would understand what he was going through.
Beloved Composer
When Beethoven died in 1827, thousands of people attended his funeral. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he achieved a measure of success during his lifetime. For most, success was posthumous. He was likely much more loved than he ever realized.
Famous Beethoven Works:
- Moonlight Sonata
- Pathétique Sonata
- Fur Elise
- Beethoven Symphony No. 3, Op. 55, E flat Major, “Eroica”
- Beethoven Symphony No. 5, Op. 67, C Minor
- Beethoven Symphony No. 9, Op. 125, D Minor “Choral”
- Fidelio
