Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most influential composers of all time, was born in Germany in 1770. In his childhood, he had to suffer the harsh treatment of his alcoholic and ill-tempered father. The pianist father attempted to exploit his son as a child prodigy and taught him day and night. Beethoven was often found crying by the piano key board.

Young Beethoven had to look after his family from an early age. In March 1787 he travelled to Vienna to learn music. But he had to return within two weeks because of his mother’s sickness. Shortly after, his mother passed away. His father lapsed deeper into alcoholism. Beethoven became responsible for the care of his two younger brothers and didn’t return to Austria for the next 5 years.

Inspite of all this, he continued composing music. But the biggest tragedy of his life was yet to come. When Bethoven was 26 years old he began to lose his hearing ability. He was completely deaf during the last 15 years of his life.

Just imagine, a person is composing music but cannot hear it! At the end of the premiere of his Ninth Symphony, he had to be turned around to see the tumultuous applause of the audience. Hearing nothing, he wept.

While composing, he used a piece of metal attached to his piano and would put the piece of metal between his teeth. By putting the piece of metal between his teeth, he could feel the vibrations from the piano – he would actually feel the music.

Now imagine yourself in Beethoven’s place for a while. You won’t be able to stop yourself from being grateful!