"I would never have believed that I could be so lazy as I am here. If it is followed by an outburst of industry, something worthwhile may be accomplished." So wrote Beethoven from the Austrian spa ...

During 2003, renowned Portuguese pianist Artur Pizarro performed an epic 8-concert cycle of all 32 Beethoven Sonatas at St John's, Smith Square, London. Comprehensive programme notes on each ...

Even in full-blown deafness, Beethoven was still able to compose by placing one end of a wooden stick onto his piano and clenching the other end with his teeth. When notes were struck, the ...