Ludwig van Beethoven
1770-1827 · German (Bonn/Vienna) · Classical / Romantic
Known for: Titanic composer who bridged Classical and Romantic eras and composed his greatest works while completely deaf
Beethoven was the first major composer to insist on being treated as an equal by aristocrats, not a servant. His nine symphonies, five piano concertos, and the Moonlight Sonata transformed music from entertainment to profound personal expression.
His deafness began around 28 and became total - yet he composed his Ninth Symphony, with its Ode to Joy, in complete silence, hearing only in his mind. He died during a thunderstorm, reportedly shaking his fist at the sky.
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