So far, we have had Bach (1685-1750), Vivaldi (1678-1741) , Mozart (1756-1791) and Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) as composers of the month – and January brings us Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). This German composer and pianist really changed the direction of music.

We know that Bach (German) and Vivaldi (Italian) were alive during the same period, and very similar styles – very small musical groups containing stringed instruments and harpsichords. To us we described their music as quite ‘churchy. They belonged to the Baroque period. Mozart, a little later, belonged to the Classical period – with very ‘precise and neat’ pieces of music. The orchestras were starting to grow.

By the time we get to Beethoven and later, Tchaikovsky, in the Romantic period, the orchestra had really expanded and this period was full of dramatic and intense music!

By 1800 his hearing started to deteriorate, and by 1814, he was almost completely deaf. He continued to compose and perform despite not being able to hear.

He never married or had children. Despite his beautiful music, Beethoven was described to be lonely and miserable, short tempered and greedy. He was known to have ongoing disputes with members of his family, his publishers and his pupils.

Here are some his most well known pieces of music – there are plenty more out there!