Ludwig van Beethoven

The exact date Beethoven was born is unknown, but his baptism date is December 17, 1770. He is a pianist and composer born in Germany and one of the most important musical figures in Western art music. Ludwig van Beethoven has composed 9 symphonies, 5 concertos for fortepiano, as well as sonatas and overtures for string quartets.
At a very early age Beethoven revealed his musical talents. For twenty two years Beethoven studied with Mozart and was a friend to Joseph Haydn. Beethoven moved to Vienna in 1792 and studied again with Haydn. In 1800 Beethoven's hearing deteriorated and he was totally deaf by the last 10 years of his life. He did not perform in public after this time, but his most admired works came from his deaf period.
Beethoven's musical development, modulation and texture plus use of emotion set him apart from all his influencers and his music was in demand from patrons and publishers. In 1802 he produced Moonlight Sonata and in 1801 he completed The Virtues of Prometheus. In 1802 he completed his Second Symphony. His concerts included The First Symphony, the oratorio Christ on the Mount of Olives and The Third Piano Concerto and were highly successful. Beethoven charged many times over the normal price of a concert ticket.
As his hearing became more difficult Beethoven produced the Ninth Symphony but he was unable to perform at concerts. He called on Carl Czerny, one of his students to perform his Piano Concerto No. 5. His conversation books are hugely important in learning about Beethoven's insights and investigations on how he wanted his music performed.
Beethoven composed Fur Elise as a dedication to an unrequit6ed love and Wellington's Victory as a theme to Napoleon's defeat in Spain. Beethoven composed music until his death on March 26, 1927 at the age of 56. It is rumored that Beethoven died of alcoholic cirrhosis, syphilis, and lead poisoning.