Beethoven, a complex and brilliant man is considered the bridge that connects the 18th century classical period and the beginnings of Romanticism. His story is one of the personal triumphs over tragedy and supreme musical achievement.
    Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany in 1770. He was baptized December 17, 1770. His father and grandfather worked as court musicians in Bonn. His father, a singer, gave him his first musical training. Although he had limited schooling, he studied piano, violin, and the french horn.  He became a court organist before the age of twelve.  His first important teacher was Christian Gottlob
Neefe. Early in his career,  Beethoven met and played with Mozart and Haydn, who were famous composers of the time.
    Beethoven began working at daybreak no matter what season.  He worked until two or three o'clock in the morning.
He loved nature and would go for walks after his midday meal.  He always kept a notebook to jot down musical ideas that came to him.  The love of nature and the countryside inspired Beethoven to compose his famous Symphony No. 6, the "Pastoral" symphony.  In this symphony one can hear birds singing, a waterfall, and a thunderstorm.
    In 1801, Beethoven composed his Sonata quasi una Fantasia Op. 27, No. 2, known as "Moonlight Sonata". In 1804 Beethoven wrote his third symphony which is Beethoven's  "Eroica".  He wrote 'Piano as 'Symphony No. in C Minor', and 'Symphony No. 9 in Minor', Op. 125.
    Around 1800, Beethoven began to suffer early symptoms of deafness.  By 1802 he knew that his condition was getting worse.  That summer he spent his time in the country and wrote what is known as the Helingstadt Testament.  In this document, he expressed his humiliation and despair.  By 1819 he could no longer hear well enough to conduct an orchestra, yet continued to compose music.  For the rest of his life he searched for a cure, but by 1820, his deafness became total.  Some of his greatest compositions were written during this period, including Symphony No. 19, completed in 1824.
    Though Beethoven had many friends, he was a lonely man.  Beethoven was never married.  In 1827, at the age of 57 Beethoven died. Beethoven was considered to be one of the greatest composers and his later music bridged the gap between the Classical and Romantic period.
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