LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827) is

one of the most widely respected
composers of classical music. He
played a crucial role in the transition
from classical to romantic music and is
considered one of the greatest
composers of all time.
 Beethoven’s talent as a piano
virtuoso was recognised by Count
Ferdinand Ernst Gabriel von
Wildstein. He sponsored the young
Beethoven and this enabled him to
travel to Vienna, where Mozart
resided. It was hoped Beethoven
would be able to learn under the
great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,
but it is not clear whether the two
ever met. Mozart was to die shortly,
but Beethoven was able to spend
time with the great composer Joseph
Haydn, who taught him many
things.
 Rather than working for the church,
Beethoven relied on private donations
from various benefactors. However, while
many loved his music, they were often
not forthcoming with donations and
Beethoven sometimes struggled to raise
enough finance. He complained about
the way artists like him were treated.