Born: 1770, Bonn, Germany
Died: 1827, Vienna, Austria

“Stimulated by those moods which poets turn into words, I turn my ideas into tones which resound, roar, and rage until at last they stand before me in the form of notes.”

One of the greatest composers in the Western musical tradition, Ludwig van Beethoven revolutionized virtually every form of music that he composed. His “Eroica” Symphony transformed that genre; his 32 Piano Sonatas enabled the development of piano music from the genial pieces of the late 18th century to the colossal masterworks of Liszt and Schumann; and his opera Fidelio embodied the virtues of liberty and equality that transformed Europe during his life.

Further listening:
Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 37 (1800)
Christian Zacharias; Staatskapelle
Dresden, Hans Vonk (EMI)

Fidelio (opera, 1805-1814)
Soloists; Philharmonia Chorus
and Orchestra, Otto Klemperer (EMI)

Symphony No. 3, Op. 55, “Eroica” (1803)
Los Angeles Philharmonic,
Carlo Maria Giulini (DG Originals)

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