1770-1827
Beethoven was an innovator, broadening the range of the sonata, symphony, concerto, and quartet, and incorporating vocals and instruments in a modernist way. His father was an alcoholic so he assumed responsibility for his family and began his career as a musician to support his family.
- At an early age, Beethoven exhibited glimpses of his creative imagination and by age 12 he composed his first symphony.
- He began loosing his hearing at a very early age but kept it concealed by avoiding social situations. At the age of 31 he confessed that he was deaf but despite his challenge, he composed some of his greatest works during the last ten years of his life.
- Between 1803 and 1812, Beethoven’s heroic period, he composed six symphonies, four solo concerti, an opera, six string sonatas, five string quartets, seven piano sonatas, four overtures, five sets of piano variations, four trios, two sextets, and 72 songs, including Moonlight Sonata.
- In honor of Napoleon Bonaparte, he composed the Eroica Symphony. It was noted as one of the most sublime, most original, and most profound pieces that the entire musical genre had ever expierenced. So unique that trough weeks of rehearsal the musicians could not learn to play it.
