[NameFirstTo] Celebrate Beethoven! [Msg]

Ludwig van Beethoven 1770 - 1827

The story is often repeated that when Beethoven died, his last defiant act was to shake his fist at a raging thunderstorm outside.   Many have seen this as symbolic of his triumph over deafness, which was a major turning point in his life.   Beethoven was born and brought up in Bonn and first studied harpsichord and violin under the direction of his father, who had dreams of fame and fortune for his young prodigy.   Alas, Beethoven was a talent "in waiting" - waiting for the right teacher and the right opportunity.   This happened in 1783 with the appointment of Christian Gottlob Neefe to the music staff of the ruling prince, where both Beethoven's father and grandfather were employed.   In nine years, Beethoven was ready to pursue his studies in Vienna, with Joseph Haydn.   He never returned to Bonn.   Beethoven had many influential patrons in Vienna and it was clear he was on the verge of becoming a major force in music.   Four years after arriving in Vienna, Beethoven started to become deaf.   He experienced the greatest of despair but accepted his fate with a sense of profound greatness: he would show the world! From this point on, he focused all his energy on his compositions.   The first work was his Third Symphony, known as the "Eroica," a work of infinite levels of expression.   Some of Beethoven's most popular works include the Violin Concerto in D Major, Mass in D Major ("Missa Solemnis"), The Nine Symphonies, including the "Eroica", "Pastorale" and "Choral"), Egmont Overture, Fidelio, Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor ("Moonlight"), Sonata in F Minor "Appassionata"), Piano Concerto No. 5 in E Flat ("Emperor").   Major chamber works include 16 string quartets, 16 piano trios, 10 violin sonatas, and 35 piano sonatas.   And what beginning piano student will ever forget "Fur Elise."

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