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Ludwig van Beethoven

Biography

  • Beethoven’s first written concerto, Piano Concerto No. 1 was actually not his first! It was published first but was his third written concerto.
  • Beethoven struggled with math. He left school at age 11 knowing how to add and subtract but not how to multiply or divide.
  • At age 25, Beethoven began to lose his hearing. At 27, he would hear a constant buzzing, and at 46, he was completely deaf. He went on to write some of his best works without even hearing them!

Famous Works

Listen to Beethoven

These pieces made Ludwig van Beethoven famous all around the world. Press a Listen button and hear the music for yourself!

  • 9 Symphonies

    Symphony No. 5 and 9 are most popular

  • Piano Sonata No. 14

    Also called the Moonlight Sonata

  • Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59 "Für Elise"

Symphony Spotlight

Where can you hear Ludwig van Beethoven's music?

The Columbus Symphony brings this music to life on stage. Check out these programs, and maybe you can hear it in person!

17

Apr

April 17-18, 2026: Egmont Overture

Friday, April 17, 2026 · 7:30 PM · Ohio Theatre

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30

Apr

April 30-May 1, 2027: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 (“Choral”)

Friday, April 30, 2027 · 7:30 PM · Ohio Theatre

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Solar System Symphony: Allegro from Symphony No. 6 in F Major

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Decoded Classics 2027: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (“Eroica”)

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Link Up 2027: Ode to Joy from Symphony No. 9 in D minor

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