Ludwig van Beethoven

German composer (1770–1827)

Early Period

Travelled to Vienna to potentially study with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Moved to Vienna to study with Joseph Haydn.
First public performance as a pianist in Vienna.
First notable compositions published.

Middle Period

First symptoms of hearing loss noted.
Wrote the Heiligenstadt Testament, a letter to his brothers expressing despair over his increasing deafness.
"Fidelio" premiered, Beethoven's only opera.
Premiere of the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies.

Late Period

Began legal battle for custody of his nephew, Karl.
Total deafness documented.
Ninth Symphony premiered in Vienna.