beethovan's ninth

Ludwig van Beethoven

(17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827)

His last words were, "Pity, pity—too late!", after he heard about a gift of twelve bottles of wine from his publisher. Beethovan's death was witnessed by his sister-in-law and by his friend Anselm Hüttenbrenner. A. W. Thayer recorded Hüttenbrenner's account of Beethoven's death:

"There remained in the room only Hüttenbrenner and Mrs. van Beethoven. The storm passed over, covering the Glacis with snow and sleet. As it passed away a flash of lightning lighted up everything. This was followed by an awful clap of thunder. Huttenbrenner had been sitting on the side of the bed sustaining Beethoven's head--holding it up with his right arm

His breathing was already very much impeded, and he had been for hours dying. At this startling, awful peal of thunder, the dying man suddenly raised his head from Huttenbrenner's arm, stretched out his own right arm majestically--like a general giving orders to an army. This was but for an instant; the arm sunk back; he fell back. Beethoven was dead."

The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, is Beethovan's final complete symphony and considered by many to be the greatest musical composition of all time. It was the first time he used voices in a symphony. The lyrics were taken from 'Ode to Joy', by Friedrich Schiller.

1st movement:

2nd movement:

3rd movement:

4th movement:

ludwig van

Ludwig van Beethoven

(17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827)

The master was baptized two hundred and forty years ago. One of the most famous and influential composers of all time, he was a childhood prodigy on piano who began to lose his hearing even as his star was rising. Despite his tinnitus, he went on to compose an impressive body of work that includes some one hundred and fifty eight songs for piano, nine symphonies, thirty two sonatas, seven concerti, two masses, and one opera. Feast on some of the most sumptuous courses of music ever composed by a true gourmet chef.

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony may be the most well-known piece of music in the world. "Thus Fate knocks at the door!"

Für Elise

Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor for solo piano

It is not certain who "Elise" was.

The Piano Sonata No. 14 in C♯ minor 
"Quasi una fantasia" (Moonlight Sonata) was dedicated to his beloved pupil Countess Giulietta Guicciardi.

'Ode to Joy' is the final movement of his last completed symphony: The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 "Choral". It was the first time a major composer used voices in a symphony. One of my favorite pieces of music, ever.