Ludwig Van Beethoven
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"Ludwig van Beethoven" was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical period (music)/Classical and Romantic music/Romantic eras in classical music/Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers. His best-known compositions include 9 symphony/symphonies, 5 Piano concerto/concertos for piano, 32 piano sonatas, and 16 string quartets. He also composed other chamber music, choral works (including the celebrated Missa solemnis (Beethoven)/Missa solemnis), and songs.

Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of the Holy Roman Empire, Beethoven displayed his musical talents at an early age and was taught by his father Johann van Beethoven and by Christian Gottlob Neefe. During his first 22 years in Bonn, Beethoven intended to study with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and befriended Joseph Haydn. Beethoven moved to Vienna in 1792 and began studying with Haydn, quickly gaining a reputation as a virtuoso pianist. He lived in Vienna until his death. In about 1800 his hearing began to deteriorate, and by the last decade of his life he was almost totally deaf. He gave up conducting and performing in public but continued to compose; many of his most admired works come from this period.

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Music is a higher revelation than philosophy.

We mortals with immortal minds are only born for sufferings and joys, and one could almost say that the most excellent receive joy through sufferings.

I wish you music to help with the burdens of life ,and to help you release your happiness to others.

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits.

What you are, you are by accident of birth; what I am, I am by myself. There are and will be a thousand princes; there is only one Beethoven.

Nothing is more intolerable than to have to admit to yourself your own errors.

Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men.

Recommend to your children virtue; that alone can make them happy, not gold.

Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.

I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor. What I have in my heart must come out; that is the reason why I compose.

Never forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours.

Music, verily, is the mediator between intellectual and sensuous life... the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.

Then let us all do what is right, strive with all our might toward the unattainable, develop as fully as we can the gifts God has given us, and never stop learning.

Music--the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge, which comprehends mankind, but which mankind cannot comprehend.

I wish you all the good and charm that life can offer. Think of me kindly, and rest assured that no one would more rejoice to hear of your happiness.