On December 16, in 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven was born. (Well, he was baptized on December 17, so we assume he was born on December 16. But this is close enough.) Beethoven's father was, by most accounts, a cruel and demanding man. Beethoven showed talent early in life, and his father encouraged his talent by forcing his son to perform for friends under extreme circumstances--like while having his father burn his hands with cigarettes.

Beethoven was supposed to study under Mozart; Beethoven's mother became ill, however, and while Beethoven was visiting her in Bonn, Mozart died. However, Mozart did remark, upon hearing Beethoven play, "This boy will give the world something to listen to."

In 1798 Beethoven began to lose his hearing. He became increasingly reclusive and eccentric. By 1820 he was completely deaf; amazingly some of his most sublime works were written after that date. He died in 1827, and more than 30,000 people crowded the streets at his funeral.


Listen to Fritz Steingger play the Rondo from the Pathetique Sonata.

Also, Sean Bennett plays the third movement of his Appassionata Sonata.