Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) is widely considered to be one of the pre-eminent classical music figures of the Western world. This German musical genius created numerous works that are firmly entrenched 1 the repertoire. Except 2 a weakness in composing vocal and operatic music (to which he himself admitted, notwithstanding a few vocal works like the opera “Fidelio” and the song “Adelaide,”), Beethoven gained complete mastery of 3 art form. He left his stamp in 9 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, 10 violin sonatas, 32 piano sonatas, numerous string quartets and dozens of other key works. It is difficult to 4 up briefly what his musical works represent or symbolize, since taken 5 they encompass a vast system of thought. Generally, however, those 6 apprehend his music sense that 7 reflects their own personal yearnings and sufferings. It egoistically, and always intelligently, “discusses” with its listener his or her feelings in the 8 of personal failure and personal triumph, from the lowest depths of despair to the highest heights of happy or triumphant fulfilment.