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Biography Of Ludwig Van Beethoven

The rise of Ludwig van Beethoven into the ranks of history's greatest
composers was paralleled by and in some ways a consequence of his own
personal tragedy and despair. Beginning in the late 1790's, the
increasing buzzing and humming in his ears sent Beethoven into a
panic, searching for a cure from doctor to doctor. By October 1802 he
had written the Heiligenstadt Testament confessing the certainty of
his growing deafness, his consequent despair, and suicidal
considerations. Yet, despite the personal tragedy caused by
the "infirmity in the one sense which ought to be more perfect in
[him] than in others, a sense which [he] once possessed in the
highest perfection, a perfection such as few in [his] profession
enjoy," it also served as a motivating force in that it challenged
him to try and conquer the fate that was handed him. He would not
surrender to that "jealous demon, my wretched health" before proving
to himself and the world the extent of his skill. Thus, faced with
such great impending loss, Beethoven, keeping faith in his art and
ability, states in his Heiligenstadt Testament a promise of his
greatness yet to be proven in the development of his heroic style.

By about 1800, Beethoven was mastering the Viennese High- Classic
style. Although the style had been first perfected by Mozart,
Beethoven did extend it to some degree. He had unprecedently composed
sonatas for the cello which in combination with the piano opened the
era of the Classic- Romantic cello sonata. In addition, his sonatas
for violin and piano became the cornerstone of the sonata duo
repertory. His experimentation with additions to the standard forms
likewise made it apparent that he had reached the limits of the high-
Classic style. Having displayed the extended range of his piano
writing he was also begining to forge a new voice for the violin. In
1800, Beethoven was additionally combining the sonata form with a
full orchestra in...