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About Ludwig van Beethoven

Historical Milestone: Transformed Western classical music from Classical restraint to Romantic emotional power; composed 9 Symphonies (including *Eroica*, *Symphony No. 5*, and *Symphony No. 9* "Ode to Joy") while progressively losing his hearing Education & Vienna Apprenticeship: Subjected to harsh late-night keyboard drills by his alcoholic father Johann van Beethoven. Studied composition under Christian Gottlob Neefe in Bonn, publishing his first work at age 12. Moved permanently to Vienna in 1792, studying counterpoint under Joseph Haydn, Johann Georg Albrechtsberger, and Antonio Salieri. Heiligenstadt Testament & Ninth Symphony: Began experiencing severe tinnitus and progressive sensorineural hearing loss in his late twenties. In October 1802, wrote the heart-wrenching *Heiligenstadt Testament* to his brothers, confessing suicidal despair overcome only by his artistic imperative. Entered his "Heroic Period," composing Symphony No. 3 (*Eroica*, initially dedicated to Napoleon before furiously scratching out the title when Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor), Symphony No. 5, and *Für Elise*. Completely deaf by 1818, communicated via written "conversation books" while composing his late string quartets and premiering his monumental Ninth Symphony in May 1824 (had to be turned around by contralto Caroline Unger to see the standing ovation). Never married; famous unsent love letters to the "Immortal Beloved."