18. Beethoven

Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German composer and pianist. He is considered to be the most influential composers of all time!

Beethoven’s hearing began to deteriorate when he was at the pinnacle of his success. Yet he continued to compose, perform and conduct concerts even after he became totally deaf!

Beethoven was baptized on 17 December 1770, in Bonn. His father was his first music teacher. He also learned from the other local teachers. His talent was promising even when he was a mere child. He gave his first public performance in March 1778, when he was a mere child seven years old!

When his mother died in 1787, he had to take care of his two younger brothers and alcoholic father. However he continued to write several compositions with growing maturity and style. His works were not published then!

In his early twenties he moved to Vienna, settled there and studied to become a virtuoso pianist. He did not set out to establish himself as a composer right away. He studied under Haydn and also took violin lessons from another master.

Beethoven’s first performance in Vienna was in March 1795. It was then that he published his first composition “Piano trios Opus”.

His compositions of First six string quartets, The First and The Second Symphonies made him the most famous composer after Haydn and Mozart.

Around 1796, he began to lose his hearing. He suffered from “Tinnitus”, a ringing sound in his ears. He could no longer appreciate music nor can he take part in conversations.The cause of his deafness was not known.

By the time he wrote his Ninth Symphony, he was completely deaf! However he continued to compose music and play piano!

His determination to succeed was so great that it overcame all the physical obstacles. Indomitable Spirit always overcomes physical challenges and succeeds!

Visalakshi Ramani