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Beethoven was born in Bonn in Germany, his mother a singer in the service of the Elector of Köln (Cologne). His father was weak-spirited and drank excessively, but he recognized the boy's talent and was disappointed when the young Beethoven failed to emulate Moza ....

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.... freelance musician: he never again held a court position after leaving Bonn. Instead he had wealthy aristocratic friends, patrons and perhaps loves, to whom he dedicated his early compositions in return for payment. Begining in 1798, Beethoven experienced a continual humming and whistling in his ears that gradually grew stronger, eventually prompting the agonizing realization that he was going deaf. In 1802, in a state of desperation in which he contemplated suicide, Beethoven retired to the secluded village of Heiligenstadt and addressed to his brothers a statement expressing his anguish. Beethoven's expanded forms broadened the scope for emotion ....