Beethoven's father constantly berated his young son for not exhibiting at a young age the talent that Mozart showed when he was younger.  Beethoven eventually studied under Mozart and Haydn, yet Beethoven became known for his own unique style in piano composition. He broke the restrictive bonds of classicism and brought about the romantic era of music.
     Beethoven started losing his hearing in 1801 and was deaf by 1819.  Despite this tragedy, especially for a musician, Beethoven continued to compose.  It was during this period that he composed his well known "Fur Elise".
     Beethoven's deafness forced him to become creative in the manner in which he composed his music. Since he could not hear the music he played, he tried to feel the music he played.  Beethoven cut off the legs of his piano and set the piano directly on the floor so he could feel the vibrations of the piano when he laid his head down on the floor.  This and his memory of how instruments sounded helped Beethoven to continue composing music.  Beethoven composed his arguably finest work, the Symphony No. 9, in this manner.

Well Known Works:

• "Moonlight Sonata"
  
• "Pathetique Sonata"
  
• Egmont Overture
  
• "Apassionata Sonata"
  
• Violin Concerto in D
  
• "Spring Sonata"
  
• "Chorale Fantasy"
  
• Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat