Beethoven, Ludwig van

Born in Bonn, Germany, of a poor family. Instructed in music by his father, became assistant organist and violist at the Court Chapel, Cologne, where he attracted the attention of the Elector of Cologne, who sponsored Beethoven's further study in Vienna. Returning to Bonn to help support his family, he received additional tutoring, but eventually returned to Vienna to perform. In his late 20s, around 1798, began to lose his hearing possibly due to otosclerosis, though other experts say dysentery; deafness virtually total by 1812. He chose to live primarily as a freelance musician, turning down a variety of permanent job offers. Died in Vienna.