Ludwig van Beethoven. One of the most legendary and transformative figures in the history of music. A true revolutionary, he bridged the Classical and Romantic eras and redefined what music could express.

Quick Bio

•          Born: December 17, 1770 (baptized), Bonn, Germany

•          Died: March 26, 1827, Vienna, Austria

•          Occupation: Composer and pianist

•          Era: Classical transitioning into Romantic

•          Signature: Deep emotion, bold structure, and heroic energy

Why He’s So Important

•          Beethoven pushed classical forms to their limits, infusing them with intensity, struggle, and personal emotion.

•          He composed some of the most enduring symphonies, sonatas, and concertos in history.

•          Perhaps most astonishingly: he did much of this while losing his hearing — by his later years, he was completely deaf.

Major Works

Symphonies (he wrote 9 total)

•          Symphony No. 5 (“da-da-da-DAA”) – The most famous four notes in Western music.

•          Symphony No. 6 (“Pastoral”) – A nature-inspired, peaceful work.

•          Symphony No. 9 – With the “Ode to Joy” finale — revolutionary for using chorus and soloists in a symphony.

Piano Sonatas

•          Moonlight Sonata

•          Pathetique

•          Appassionata These are deeply expressive and technically complex — touchstones for every serious pianist.

Other Highlights

•          Fidelio – His only opera, about justice and freedom

•          Missa Solemnis – Monumental sacred music

•          String Quartets – Especially his late quartets, which were way ahead of their time (and baffled early audiences)

🎧 The Man Behind the Music

•          Deafness: Started in his late 20s. Despite this, he continued composing, often “hearing” the music in his mind.

•          Personality: Brilliant but fiery. Known for being reclusive, eccentric, and uncompromising.

•          Legacy: The ultimate “tortured genius” archetype — and yet, his music is filled with life, hope, and struggle.

🏛️ Impact

•          Transformed music from entertainment to deep emotional expression.

•          Influenced Brahms, Wagner, Mahler, Liszt, Schumann, and virtually every composer after him.

•          Ode to Joy is now the anthem of the European Union — a symbol of unity.