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'''Ludwig van Beethoven''' (baptized December 17, 1770 - March 26, 1827) was a [[Germany|German]] [[composer]] of the late [[Classical period (music)|Classical]] and early [[Romantic period (music)|Romantic]] eras.

'''Ludwig van Beethoven''' (baptized December 17, 1770 - March 26, 1827) was a [[Germany|German]] [[composer]] of the late [[Classical period (music)|Classical]] and early [[Romantic period (music)|Romantic]] eras.

Widely considered to be among the greatest, if not the greatest composer of Western music, he was also a [[piano|pianist]] of legendary virtuosity who shaped the future course of piano [[technique (music)|technique]]. Despite his encroaching deafness, which began in early adulthood and left him completely deaf in his last decade, his compositions include some of the most famous and enduring music ever written. Coming at the peak of the Viennese Classical style, Beethoven cast an undeniable shadow over the composers of the next two generations, especially in the genres of the piano [[sonata]] and the [[symphony]].  

Widely considered to be among the greatest, if not the greatest composer of Western music, he was also a [[piano|pianist]] of legendary virtuosity who shaped the future course of piano [[technique (music)|technique]]. Despite his encroaching deafness, which began in early adulthood and left him completely deaf in his last decade, his compositions include some of the most famous and enduring music ever written. Coming at the peak of the Viennese Classical style, Beethoven set a high standard for the composers of the next two generations, especially in the genres of the piano [[sonata]] and the [[symphony]].  

==Early Life==

==Early Life==

==Beethoven's Deafness==

==Beethoven's Deafness==

Although the music of Beethoven is remarkable in its own right, it is perhaps most amazing in light of the fact that much of it was written when he was near or totally deaf. The most stirring example of this is the Ninth Symphony, written in 1824 when he had lost all hearing. Accounts differ on the details, but at the end of the performance, one of the performers had to turn the composer to see the ovations which he could not hear.  

Although the music of Beethoven is remarkable in its own right, it is perhaps most amazing in light of the fact that much of it was written when he was near or totally deaf. The most stirring example of this is the Ninth Symphony, written in 1824 when he had lost all hearing. At the end of the performance, one of the performers had to turn the composer to see the ovations which he could not hear.  

Critics and music historians disagree on the extent to which Beethoven's deafness affected his music. Many of his later works, especially the late string quartets, were considered unintelligible when they were written, and this difficulty was attributed to his deafness. Others argue that his deafness had little to no ultimate effect on the quality of his music: he had a profound ability to "hear" the music even when deaf. There can be little doubt, however, that the loss of hearing had a profound personal effect on the composer, which undoubtedly bled into his highly personal music.

Critics and music historians disagree on the extent to which Beethoven's deafness affected his music. Many of his later works, especially the late string quartets, were considered unintelligible when they were written, and this difficulty was attributed to his deafness. Others argue that his deafness had little to no ultimate effect on the quality of his music: he had a profound ability to "hear" the music even when deaf. There can be little doubt, however, that the loss of hearing had a profound personal effect on the composer, which undoubtedly bled into his highly personal music.

==Beethoven and Religion==

==Beethoven and Religion==

There is some dispute among scholars over Beethoven's religious beliefs, as his letters and the accounts of friends provide conflicting evidence. While he was raised a Roman [[Catholic]] and made several well-documented references to his faith, it is known that he never attended religious services. His teacher, the great composer Franz Joseph Haydn, thought Beethoven was an [[atheism|atheist]]. His friend and biographer Anton Schindler considered him a [[deism|deist]], especially due to the [[Enlightenment]]'s strong influence in Bonn as Beethoven came of age. Furthermore, Beethoven's choice of text in the choral movement of his ninth symphony indicates at least an interest (if not a belief) in [[Pantheism]].

There is some dispute among scholars over Beethoven's religious beliefs, as his letters and the accounts of friends provide conflicting evidence. While he was raised a Roman Catholic and made several well-documented references to his faith, it is known that he never attended religious services. His teacher, the great composer Franz Joseph Haydn, thought Beethoven was an atheist. His friend and biographer Anton Schindler considered Beethoven a [[deism|deist]], especially due to the [[Enlightenment]]'s strong influence in Bonn as Beethoven came of age. Furthermore, Beethoven's choice of text in the choral movement of his ninth symphony indicates at least an interest (if not a belief) in [[Pantheism]].

The most convincing evidence for Beethoven's spirituality can be found in his late music. The String Quartet No. 15 contains a slow movement which Beethoven himself gave the title "Holy Song of Thanksgiving to God from a Convalescent" ("''Heiliger Dankgesang eines Genesenes an die Gottheit''"), after his recovery from serious illness. Perhaps most convincing, though, is the fervent nature of the Missa Solemnis, Op. 123. The sincerity found in this work could only have come from a deeply-rooted faith in God.

The most convincing evidence for Beethoven's spirituality can be found in his late music. The String Quartet No. 15 contains a slow movement which Beethoven himself gave the title "Holy Song of Thanksgiving to God from a Convalescent" ("''Heiliger Dankgesang eines Genesenes an die Gottheit''"), after his recovery from serious illness. Perhaps most convincing, though, is the fervent nature of the Missa Solemnis, Op. 123. The sincerity found in this work could only have come from a deeply-rooted faith in God.

*[[Romantic period (music)]]

*[[Romantic period (music)]]

*[[Franz Schubert]]

*[[Franz Schubert]]