Biography

Beethoven's symphonies, quartets, concertos, and piano sonatas are significant advances in their respective genres, revealing a passion marking the move from the classical to the romantic period. Naturally democratic, Beethoven strove to express his ideal of a world of freedom and equality. He rose from an adverse childhood in Germany, making his way on charm and self-education (especially shown in his opera #Fidelio and the famous "Symphony no. 9"), sometimes masking frustration with angry behavior. Beethoven was destined to become the "inventor" of "modern music," composing from a "seed" or "germ" idea rather than a full melody and treating rhythm in new ways (for example, the phase variations in the third symphony). ~ Blue Gene Tyranny, All Music Guide