ccents and other unexpected elements. Many critics and listeners regard Beethoven as the finest composerwho ever lived. His music was unique and emotional. Never before hadinstrumental music been brought to such heights. He also made greatstrides with chamber music for piano, as well as for string quartets,trios, and sonatas. His works include nine symphonies, 32 piano sonatas,five piano concerti, 17 string quartets, ten sonatas for violin andpiano, one opera ('Fidelio'), the 'Mass in C Major', 'Missa Solemnis',and other chamber music. Beethoven died in Vienna on March 26, 1827. His funeral was attendedby hundreds of mourners. The bicentennial of his birth and thesesquicentennial of his death were celebrated with new performances andrecordings of all of the master's works. Word Count: 769...
