2016-03-26 Sat

Ludwig Van Beethoven, a celebrated German composer passed away on 26th March 1827.

Beethoven was a crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music. He remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers till date. Beethoven suffered declining health throughout the last years of his life. The last work he was able to complete was the substitute final movement of the ‘String Quartet No. 13’.

Many of his most admired works come from the last 15 years of his life out of which the last decade he was almost deaf. According to some sources “I shall hear in heaven” are alleged to be his last words.

Many countries have issued commemorative issues to honour this extraordinary composer. The Isle of Man in 1981 released a 1 crown commemorative coin of Beethoven to celebrate the International year of the Disabled. Further China in 1990 issued a 10 Yuan coin, Paraguay in 1974 released a 150 Guaranies coin, Korea in 1999 issued a 250 Won coin, and Austria in 2005 issued a 50 Euro gold coin and a 5 Euro silver coin in honour of Beethoven.