Masterpieces of Classical MusicOrchestra Research PaperLudwig Van Beethoven is perhaps one of the most famous compositions in all of history . His legacy on the art of music is profound. He had a difficult and strict life, which turned into tragedy as his hearing and health deteriorated. Despite this complicated life, Beethoven's works remain incredibly popular today. Beethoven was born in December 1770 in Bonn, present-day Germany (Budden, 2014). Beethoven's father, Johann, trained Beethoven continually and harshly in musical studies. His father had hoped that Beethoven would match Mozart's prodigy status when he was a child. However, it was not until later in life that he studied with Mozart and began to make a name for himself. Beethoven went on to study with Hayden, Brahms and other great composers of the time. At the age of 27, Beethoven was in the midst of a growing and prolific career. However, his hearing began to decline. He used every aid he could to keep hearing, but he was soon unable to hear the audience's applause. Beethoven struggled with suicidal thoughts as his still-unknown illness progressed. Ultimately, he died of liver failure in March 1827 (Huxtable, 2000). Despite his mental and physical challenges, Beethoven was extremely prolific. He composed nine numbered symphonies, 32 sonatas, an opera and several concertos and chamber pieces (British Library, 2009). One of his best-known works is his Ninth Symphony. This is the piece on which Beethoven, at the end of a performance, burst into tears because he did not hear the audience applauding (Huxtable, 2000). The idea for the Ninth Symphony originated with Beethoven, when he was twenty years old, when he wanted to write a piece of music to accompany An die Freu...... middle of paper ...... eu/basic-information/symbols/anthem/index_en.htmGibbs, C. (2006). Notes on Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Retrieved from National Public Radio: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5487727Horsely, P. (2010). Symphony No. 9. Retrieved from the Kennedy Center: http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=composition&composition_id=2761 Huxtable, R. (2000). Beethoven's deafness: A paradigm of hearing problems. Proceedings of the Western Pharmacological Society, 1-8. Kelly, T. (1999). Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Retrieved from National Public Radio: http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/milestones/990203.motm.beethoven.htmlLos Angeles Philharmonic Association. (2014). Symphony No. 9, “Choir”. Retrieved from the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association: http://www.laphil.com/philpedia/music/symphony-no-9-choral-ludwig-van-beethoven