Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist, a pivotal figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in classical music. He was baptized on December 17, 1770, in Bonn, Germany, and died on March 26, 1827, in Vienna, Austria.
Beethoven is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music. His works rank among the most performed pieces in the classical music repertoire. His career is conventionally divided into early, middle, and late periods. The early period, where he honed his craft, is typically considered to have lasted until 1802. His middle period, sometimes characterized as “heroic,” showed individual development from the styles of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and lasted until around 18. During this time, Beethoven began to grow increasingly deaf. His late period, from 1812 to his death, extended his innovations in musical form and expression.
Some of his most notable works include the Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, the Symphony No. 9 in D Minor with the famous “Ode to Joy,” the “Moonlight” Sonata, the “Emperor” Concerto, and the “Archduke” Trio. His only opera, Fidelio, was first performed in 1805 and revised to its final version in 1814.

Beethoven’s personal life was marked by struggles, including his gradual hearing loss, which led to total deafness. Despite this, he continued to compose masterpieces, and his music remains a testament to his genius and the enduring power of human creativity.

Recitative and Chorale has been masterly transcribed by Miloslav Gajdoš from of the opening of the finale of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony for 6 double basses,… including the glorious ‘Ode to Joy’ – a symbol of European unity. There are challenges in most parts, playable by sextet or larger forces, and is great fun to study and perform. The premiere in Brno was played by over 50 bassists, conducted by Miloslav Gajdoš, and this is a must for conservatoires and bass conventions. Miloslav Gajdoš has written and transcribed many impressive and successful works for double bass ensembles and has the ability to write music which communicates instantly to performers and audiences alike.