A Giant Composer
Beethoven was able to release music from traditions which have
tended to constrict it. He was a child prodigy who held an important
musical post at the age of 14. He was a successful concert pianist,
but when his health began to fail he turned to composing. Even bereft
of hearing at age of 49, he didn't falter in his work. Some of his
later compositions reflect his sadness with his physical condition, but
they also evince an exultation of man and life.

loaded for bear--When the enemy finally attacked the positions, the defenders
were loaded for bear.
(to be well prepared.)