Over nearly thirty years, Beethoven wrote sixteen string quartets. Each one was unique, but they fall into three groups. The early quartets. The six quartets that make up Beethoven’s Op. 18 were written between 1798 and 1800. They are more

In the middle of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, a sudden downpour creeps up on us during our pleasant day in the country. At first, we hear a hint of timpani – something is coming! Then, on little cat feet, the rain

The 1994 film Immortal Beloved, about the mysterious woman Beethoven called his “Immortal Beloved”, is one of the more famous composer biopic movies. It begins with the death of Beethoven and follows the journey of his secretary, Anton Schindler, as

No piece of orchestral music pulls more people to YouTube than Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, his last symphony for orchestra and chorus that ends with the glorious Ode to Joy. In fact, seven of the most-watched symphony videos of all

Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most famous composers who ever lived – but how much do you really know about him? Beyond his iconic symphonies and the legendary deafness, he lived a life full of mystery, heartbreak, and

Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 – better known as the Kreutzer Sonata – is one of the most famous pieces of chamber music ever written. The history of its reception is long and storied. It

Ludwig van Beethoven was a composer who changed what music was allowed to be. Before him, composers largely worked within inherited forms and social expectations. After him, music became more defiant, confrontational, and autobiographical. If you had exactly one hour

For fans of the fortepiano, Ronald Brautigam needs no introduction. His exhaustive discography of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven never ceases to amaze with its delicate yet bold sound. This May and June, Mr. Brautigam undertook his first tour of China,