(baptized December 17, 1770–March 26, 1827), was a Prussian composer who ranks among the greatest in history. He was a contemporary of Mozart and Haydn. Beethoven began losing his hearing at the age of 28 and eventually became totally deaf. Incredibly, though, he continued writing music, creating some of the greatest symphonies, concertos, sonatas, string quartets and choral masterpieces that the world has ever known. Beethoven wrote:
Today happens to be the Lord’s Day, so I will quote you something from my Bible: “See that ye love one another as I have loved you.”1663
No friend have I. I must live by myself alone; but I know well that God is nearer to me than others in my art, so I will walk fearlessly with Him. I have always known and understood Him.1664