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A painting of composer Ludwig van Beethoven from 1804
Image: picture-alliance/akg

Ludwig van Beethoven

The German composer (1770-1827) is one of the most influential composers of all time and played an important role in the transition from the Classical to Romantic eras in European classical music.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Manuscript of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony: 200 years on

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony: 200 years on

With his Ninth Symphony, first performed in 1824, Ludwig van Beethoven created a work for the ages.
MusicMay 6, 2024
Portrait of Ludwig van Beethoven

Jokes and a 'curse' at the 2023 Beethoven Festival

Jokes and a 'curse' at the 2023 Beethoven Festival

This DW Festival Concert features Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 9, as well as a piano concerto by Beethoven.
MusicDecember 13, 2023
Cellist Sol Gabetta

Radiant cellist Sol Gabetta

Radiant cellist Sol Gabetta

A captivating stage presence and a warm sound – the extraordinary cellist from Argentina.
MusicNovember 4, 202308:31 min
Musicians sit with their instruments in a darkened room

Afghan musicians play where Taliban can't hear them

Afghan musicians play where Taliban can't hear them

Many musicians fled after the Taliban imposed put a strict ban on music when they seized power over two years ago.
MusicSeptember 14, 202302:37 min
A young woman wearing a black and white top, identified as Russian cellist Anastasia Kobekina, holds a cello up in the air.

Beethovenfest 2023: Bold, like Beethoven himself

Beethovenfest 2023: Bold, like Beethoven himself

70 concerts, 30 venues and an orchestra foundation: The Bonn festival runs under the motto "Music about life."
MusicSeptember 1, 2023
The Viennese Beethoven Monument

Unlocking the code to Beethoven's life through his hair

Unlocking the code to Beethoven's life through his hair

Beethoven's DNA reveals a lot, but by no means everything. Hair that was supposed to be his was actually from a woman.
CultureMarch 30, 2023
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Mikhail Khokhlov, man with a white Z on a black sweatshirt

Music students tricked into promoting pro-Putin 'Z'

A video from Moscow's noted Gnesin Russian Academy of Music is an example of how Russia fabricates support for the war.
CultureMarch 25, 2022
Ivan Velikanov

Russian conductor suspended for peace speech

Ivan Velikanov stood up for peace on stage in Russia. That had immediate consequences for the star conductor.
MusicMarch 3, 2022
Beethovenfest 2021 Inszenierung "Pavane für Prometheus" von Romeo Castellucci

DW Festival Concert: Celebrating Prometheus

In this edition of DW Festival Concert, all the music is somehow tied to Prometheus, the rebellious Greek titan.
MusicJanuary 11, 2022
Michael Maul, man holding up book that reads, Bach

Bach's 'inexhaustible cosmos'

Johann Sebastian Bach's music is revered around the world. A new biography reveals the man behind the musician.
MusicDecember 6, 2021
A painting of Ludwig van Beethoven holding up his hand.

Beethoven's last symphony finished by AI

Researchers used algorithms to finish composing Beethoven's 10th. Are computer programs as creative as human musicians?
MusicOctober 9, 2021
Herbert Blomstedt

World's oldest conductor energized by music

At 94, Herbert Blomstedt is as active as ever. He spoke to DW about Beethoven, the power of music and faith.
MusicSeptember 8, 2021