Beethoven's father was an alcoholic who only offered his son an education no higher than the elementary level.  Most of Beethoven's musical training was directed by Christian Neefe.  In 1787, Beethoven visited Vienna to study with Mozart, but he did not stay long because of his mother's illness.  More importantly, in 1792, he once again travelled to Vienna and became a student of Haydn.  During this and later time, Beethoven performed in salons and financed his expenses by composing on commission and delivering private lessons.  Despite modern popularity, he never received the "Kapellmeister" position that was endowed to notable musicians such as Bach and Haydn. 

     Beethoven wrote considerably fewer compositions and either Mozart or Haydn.  His works include 9 symphonies, 16 string quartets, 37 piano sonatas, 5 piano concertos, and one opera.  Most modern listeners are familiar with Symphonies No. 3, 5, and 9, although his quartets, concetos and sonatas are also important works.  His 9 symphonies may be further classified under three periods: Early, Middle (Heroic), and Late.  This division mirrors the gravity of his deafness and philosophical maturity as a composer.