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Dromo's Den
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[Up] [Dromo's Den] Ludwig von Beethovan Biography
Beethoven, Ludwig von, one of the greatest musical composers of modern times, was born in Bonn, in 1770. His genius was very early displayed, and his musical education was begun by his father, and continued by the court organist, who introduced him to the works of Sebastian Bach and Handel. He soon attempted composition, and showed wonderful facility in improvisation. About 1790, he settled at Vienna, where Mozart quickly recognized his marvellous powers. When about 10 years of age, he was attacked with deafness, which became total, and lasted through life. He became, gradually, the victim of morbid irritability and hopeless melancholy, ending in confirmed hypochondria, and, finally, dropsy and delirium. He continued to compose, however long after he had ceased to hear himself play, and received homage and honors from all parts of Europe. He died unmarried, in Vienna, March 26, 1827. Fast power, intense passion, and infinite tenderness are manifested in all his compositions, which abound no less in sweetest melodies than in grand and complicated harmonies. A statue of Beethoven, by Hulmel, was erected at Bonn, in 1845. People’s Cyclopedia, Vol. I (New York: Syndicate Publishing, 1914) |