Beethoven Accomplishments

When was the idea of music appreciated? Was it in 325 when the spread of Christianity spurred the development of European music? Maybe in 1430 when the Renaissance period began and the rebirth of both Greek and Roman classic styles harmonized as one melody? Perhaps it was in 1600, the Baroque period that had highly strict musical forms for ornamental works? Many believe that the birth of the deaf German composer, Ludwig van Beethoven was the major musical figure that led us to one of the greatest periods of music between the Classical and Romance eras, the Viennese Classic. Born on December 17, 1770 was a man who would become one of the world’s most famous musical innovators, widening the scope of sonatas, symphonies, concerto’s and instruments

It is commonly thought that Beethoven was born deaf and learned his musical abilities while not being able to auscultate the sounds. Starting at age 8, Beethoven started to hear buzzing and whistling sounds in his ears but never concluded anything of it. Sadly, the young prodigy soon became deaf over time, yet he still became one of the greatest composers of all time. Becoming deaf is a terrible, unfortunate barrier for his profession. “I must confess that I lead a miserable life. For almost two years I have ceased to attend any social functions, just because I find it impossible to say to people: I am deaf. If I had any other profession, I might be able to cope with my infirmity; but in my profession it is a terrible handicap” (qtd. Beethoven). Beethoven began developing depression as would anyone with this despair he was left with. Contemplation of suicide sauntered his mind time after time. Even with the extraordinary output of beautiful music, Beethoven often felt lonely during his adult

“From 1803-1812, what is known as his “middle” or “heroic” period, he composed an opera, six symphonies, four solo concerti, five string quartets, six string sonatas, seven piano sonatas, five sets of piano variations, four overtures, four trios, two sextets and 72 songs” (Biography). The Ninth Symphony and Ode to Joy were perhaps his two most outstanding compositions he ended up writing. Beethoven conducted the Ninth Symphony for the first time in 1824 which ended with a tremendous applause, but being deaf, Beethoven didn’t notice till one of the soloists turned him