Artists

Beethoven, L. van

image of Beethoven, L. van Pioneer of Romantic Music

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827) is generally regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of music. He was the predominant figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music. In his late twenties he began to loose his hearing gradually, and yet he continued to produce notable masterpieces throughout his life, even when his deafness was almost total. Beethoven was one of the first composers who worked as a freelance — arranging subscription concerts, selling his compositions to publishers and gaining financial support from a number of wealthy patrons — rather than being permanently employed by the church or by an aristocratic court. His reputation and genius have inspired — and in many cases intimidated — ensuing generations of composers, musicians and audiences. While primarily known today as a composer, he was also a celebrated virtuoso pianist, conductor and an accomplished violinist.