Beethoven

[bey-toh-vuhn, beyt-hoh-fuhn]

noun

1. Ludwig van 1770–1827, German composer.

Beethoven

/ ˈbeɪtˌhəʊvən /

noun

1. Ludwig van (ˈluːtvɪç fan). 1770–1827, German composer, who greatly extended the form and scope of symphonic and chamber music, bridging the classical and romantic traditions. His works include nine symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, 16 string quartets, five piano concertos, a violin concerto, two masses, the opera Fidelio (1805), and choral music

Other Word Forms

• Beethovian adjective
• Beethovenian adjective

Example Sentences

Best known for composing the Brandenburg Concertos, he was described by the 18th-century composer Ludwig Van Beethoven as "the immortal god of harmony".

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The concert, which featured a programme of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, had already been criticised by a French union for the performing arts, and pro-Palestinian activists had called for a boycott.

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He finds the complexity of human beings "fascinating... I mean, how can you produce Beethoven, Bach and then Treblinka and Auschwitz?"

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His skills - including playing the music of Beethoven - came to the attention of senior Nazis.

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A box set of Beethoven’s nine symphonies is, though not indispensable—there are hundreds of recorded cycles already—evidence that his orchestra is among the world’s top ensembles.

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