Who was Ludwig van Beethoven?
Q: Who was Ludwig van Beethoven?
A: Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer who wrote classical music for the piano, orchestras and different groups of instruments.
Q: What are some of his best-known works?
A: His best-known works include his third (Eroica), fifth, sixth (Pastorale) and ninth (Choral) symphonies, the eighth (Pathetique) and fourteenth (Moonlight) piano sonatas, two of his later piano concertos, his opera Fidelio, and also the piano piece Für Elise.
Q: How did he become deaf?
A: In 1801, he began to lose his hearing due to an illness. His deafness became worse over time until he was completely deaf by 1817.
Q: Did Beethoven continue composing despite being deaf?
A: Yes, even though he could no longer play in concerts due to his deafness, he continued to compose some of his greatest works during this time.
Q: Is Beethoven considered one of the greatest classical composers ever?
A: Yes, many people consider him one of the greatest classical composers who has ever lived.
Q: What happened at Beethoven's funeral?
A: At Beethoven's funeral there were between 10,000 and 30,000 people estimated to have attended. Franz Schubert was a pall bearer at the funeral even though they had never been close friends.
