Ludwig van Beethoven
Pianist and composer of symphonies

Born
December 16th, 1770
254 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1827
197 years ago — 56 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
Germany
Links & References
A pivotal figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western music. Composed symphonies, sonatas, and string quartets that remain influential in music history. Created 9 symphonies, including the widely celebrated Symphony No. 5 and Symphony No. 9, which features the 'Ode to Joy' choral finale. Struggled with deafness later in life, continuing to compose music despite this challenge.
Composed Symphony No. 5 in C minor
Composed Symphony No. 9 in D minor
Wrote 32 piano sonatas
Other People Born on December 16th
Éric Bélanger
Played professional ice hockey as a center, primarily in the NHL. Drafted in 1996 by the Los Angeles Kings, began career in 1999. Played for several teams including the Carolina Hurricanes, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Concluded NHL career with the NHL team Phoenix Coyotes. Transitioned to playing in Europe post-NHL.
Continue ReadingFrançois-Adrien Boieldieu
A prominent French composer of the 19th century, contributed significantly to the operatic repertoire. Best recognized for operas, particularly 'La dame blanche' which premiered in 1825. Also composed several concertos and chamber works that highlighted the capabilities of the piano. Active during a period of transition in French opera, blending elements of traditional French operatic style with influences from Italian opera. Played a significant role in the development of the opéra-comique, which integrated spoken dialogue with music. His work was widely performed in France and beyond, earning a reputation among contemporaries.
Continue ReadingAmanda Setton
An American actress has played prominent roles in television series. Featured in 'Gossip Girl' as the character Vanessa Abrams, gained recognition for this portrayal. Participated in the daytime soap opera 'One Life to Live', showcasing versatility in dramatic storytelling. Also appeared in 'The Mindy Project', contributing to comedic television narratives. Established a presence in the entertainment industry through various guest appearances and roles in both comedy and drama.
Continue ReadingUlrikke Eikeri
A professional tennis player from Norway, has competed in various international tournaments and represented Norway in the Fed Cup. Eikeri has participated in both singles and doubles events, gaining recognition for competitive performances on the WTA Tour. Active in the sport since her teens, she has consistently worked to improve her ranking and proficiency on the court. Her accomplishments include competing in Grand Slam events and contributing to her national team's efforts in international competitions.
Continue ReadingFreddie Brown
A cricketer and sportscaster who played for England in the 1930s and 1940s. He was a left-handed batsman and right-arm medium-pace bowler. Brown made significant contributions to the England national team, participating in the 1938 Ashes series against Australia. Following his playing career, he transitioned to broadcasting, sharing insights and commentary about the sport on various platforms. His dual involvement in cricket as both a player and commentator has marked a notable legacy in English cricket history.
Continue ReadingHristo Tatarchev
Born in Bulgaria, Tatarchev pursued a career in medicine, eventually becoming a physician in Italy. He advocated for social and political reforms, striving to improve healthcare access and conditions for marginalized communities. Tatarchev engaged in various movements for social justice and health equity, contributing to the dialogue on public health and reform in both Bulgaria and Italy. His work extended beyond medicine, as he took on a role in political activism focused on civic rights and health care reforms during a tumultuous period in European history. Tatarchev's commitment to these causes and his contributions to healthcare were significant constituents of his professional life, reflecting a dedication to serving the public good.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 26th
Shane McConkey
A professional skier and BASE jumper, engaged in extreme skiing and innovative stunts. Pioneered the sport of ski BASE jumping, combining skiing with parachuting. Developed influential techniques and equipment contributing to the evolution of freestyle skiing. Performed and starred in multiple ski films, showcasing skills and creative approach to the sport. Tragically died during a BASE jump in 2009.
Continue ReadingHalston
An American fashion designer rose to prominence in the 1970s, becoming synonymous with luxury and minimalism. Halston's designs featured clean lines and elegant silhouettes, capturing the spirit of the era. His collections gained widespread acclaim, and he was a favorite among celebrities and socialites, particularly for his use of high-quality fabrics and the incorporation of modern American aesthetics. The designer established a successful brand that expanded to include fragrances and accessories. He was also known for his contributions to the fashion industry through innovative techniques and promotional strategies, including the use of licensed products. His legacy continues to influence contemporary fashion.
Continue ReadingGuntram "the Rich"
A Frankish nobleman in the 10th century, Guntram was involved in various military and political affairs of his time. He received significant land holdings and accumulated wealth, which earned him the epithet 'the Rich.' Guntram actively supported monastic establishments and contributed to the development of the region. His reign was marked by efforts to maintain stability within his territories. After his death in 973, Guntram's legacy included the continuation of his influence through his descendants and the lands he governed.
Continue ReadingAnthony Blunt
A prominent art historian, this figure contributed significantly to British art scholarship, particularly on the subject of Baroque architecture. He served as the director of the Courtauld Institute of Art and authored several influential works on art history, including studies on Poussin. His career took a controversial turn when it was revealed that he was part of the Cambridge Five, a spy ring that provided intelligence to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Following the exposure of his espionage activities, he faced substantial public and professional backlash.
Continue ReadingCharles Pinot Duclos
Famed for contributions to literary criticism and narrative prose, this author published works that reflected on society in the 18th century. Some writings offered keen observations of the cultural and philosophical trends of the time. His essays and commentaries often engaged with the ideas of the Enlightenment, addressing themes of morality and human behavior. The text "The History of the French Literature" became a significant publication that influenced understanding of literary criticism during that period.
Continue ReadingCarolyn Wells
An accomplished novelist and poet, this individual wrote over 50 novels and numerous poems throughout a prolific literary career. Major works included the 'Felicity' series and the mystery novel 'The Clue'. Contributions to the genre of detective fiction gained recognition, and the individual also published collections of poetry covering various themes. In addition to fiction, the individual served as an editor for several periodicals, further influencing American literature in the early 20th century.
Continue Reading