Beethoven's style disturbed him, causing Beethoven to seek instruction elsewhere, including that of Mozart's rival Antonio Saleri ("Ludwig van Beethoven," the Columbia Encyclopedia, 2008). For awhile he lived in the aristocrat Prince Lichnowsky's mansion and began to secure fame as a 'dueling' piano player and composer. "Beethoven's rivals always retired, bloodied, from such combat. While he made enemies of many pianists in Vienna, the nobility flocked to hear him.... It was his skill as a pianist rather than as a composer that brought him recognition during his twenties" (Lane 2006). This success was critical in establishing his independence, as Beethoven became the first composer to be able to 'freelance' his talent and not depend on patronage (Lane 2006). Unfortunately, his advancing deafness spelled an end to his career upon the piano -- once again Beethoven faced a setback that would have drained the will of even the most optimistic of...
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