Composer · 1770 – 1827
Ludwig van Beethoven
Little-Known Facts
- He began losing his hearing in his late twenties and was almost completely deaf when he composed the Ninth Symphony.
- The 'Ode to Joy' from his Ninth Symphony is the anthem of the European Union.
Myths & Misconceptions
Did Beethoven really compose while completely deaf?
Yes. His hearing declined over years, and he was profoundly deaf by the time he composed some of his greatest works, including the Ninth Symphony.