In November 1792, a young Ludwig van Beethoven arrived in Vienna, carrying a letter predicting he would receive 'Mozart's spirit from Haydn's hands'. He was there to study with Joseph Haydn, but quickly established himself as a piano virtuoso in his own right. His talent was fearsome and his style was radical. To prove his dominance over the city's established stars, he engaged in public 'piano duels'. In one famous encounter in 1800, he faced Daniel Steibelt. After Steibelt played, Beethoven took his rival’s sheet music, turned it upside down on the piano rack, and proceeded to improvise on the theme. Steibelt was so humiliated that he stormed out of the room, refusing ever to meet Beethoven again.
Beethoven
The life of Ludwig van Beethoven, from his despair over deafness to the Ninth Symphony premiere he could not hear.
Chapter 1
The Vienna Virtuoso
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Beethoven's Fifth Symphony so famous?
Its fame comes from its powerful four-note opening motif, often described as 'Fate knocking at the door'. This simple rhythm unifies all four movements of the symphony, a radical innovation at the time. The symphony also tells a story, moving from a dark, turbulent beginning to a triumphant, major-key finale.
How did Beethoven compose when he was deaf?
By 1818, Beethoven was functionally deaf and communicated using 'conversation books'. To compose, he would sometimes hold a wooden rod in his teeth, pressing the other end against his piano to feel the instrument's vibrations. He relied on his powerful musical memory and inner hearing to create his most complex late works.
What was the Heiligenstadt Testament?
The Heiligenstadt Testament was a private letter Beethoven wrote to his brothers in 1802. In it, he confessed his deep despair over his increasing deafness and admitted to considering suicide. He ultimately chose to live for his art, a decision that marked a major turning point in his life and music.
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