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Ludwig Van Beethoven : Classical And Romantic Period

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Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist, thought to be the greatest of all time by many. He was one of the most pivotal and crucial figures of the Transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras. He has influenced nearly every composer to come after him. Even after his hearing started to deteriorate, he continued to compose his beautiful, extraordinary masterpieces. Some of his most important works were written while he was almost completely deaf.
Beethoven was born in the city of Bonn, formerly the provisional capital of West Germany. It is uncertain exactly what day Beethoven was born, but it is a fact that he was baptized December 17, 1770 making December 16 his most likely birthdate. Both his father and his grandfather were professional singers, so Beethoven grew up around music. Although his father, Johann van Beethoven was only a mediocre singer and more commonly known as an alcoholic, Beethoven’s grandfather, Kapellmeister Ludwig van Beethoven, was Bonn’s most prosperous, eminent musician.
At a very early age, Johann van Beethoven taught Beethoven to play the clavier, a stringed keyboard instrument. Johann was a harsh instructor, and would beat young Beethoven when he hesitated or made a mistake playing. Almost every day, Johann would even beat his son, lock him in the cellar, or deprive him of his much needed sleep so he could get even more practice. Johann arranged for his son’s first public recital “little son of 6 years” (even though

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