Beethoven

Fiery, charming, and bursting with noble ideals, Ludwig van Beethoven is a classical legend and a credit to all humanity. Early-period Beethoven took many of its cues from the work of Haydn and Mozart, and includes the first 20 piano sonatas: the most famous and loved among these are the "Moonlight" and the "Pathétique."

Beethoven was the key transitional link between the High Classical and the Romantic music eras. His heroic Middle Period contains the 3rd Symphony — initially dedicated to Napoleon, but the name-check was withdrawn by the composer when it became clear that the little emperor favored world domination over liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Although his infamous deafness kicked in during the Middle Period, Beethoven would weather the crisis to produce his most intense and intellectual work — aka his Late Period, which lasted for ten years, until his retreat from composing in 1826. Here you'll find the last String Quartets including Nos. 12, 13 and 16.

Ludwig van Beethoven was, without question, one of the greatest men ever to walk the planet. Although he suffered multiple personal troubles (deafness, depression, obsessive washing, money worries, unrequited love) he still managed to triumph by penning some of mankind's most incredible music, and this triumph over adversity found its due reflection in his work. If you're new to Beethoven, try the opening Allegro section of "Piano Concerto No. 5," after which we defy you not to be hooked on his genius for life.