One of Beethoven's best-known piano duels
Who does not know who Beethoven was? He is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. However, what many do not remember is that Beethoven was an impressive pianist who left everyone with their mouths open. Surely many do not know that there was a rumor about Beethoven that said that caused orgasms among women who would see him play at their concerts. In fact, it was said that was the reason why many women crossed their legs while the teacher played. The truth is that we do not know if this was true, but we do know that he had a real gift for playing the piano.
Another thing that many do not know is the theme of Beethoven's piano duels, which he usually did for fun. You had to have the courage to compete in a duel with this great musician, but there were people who dared. One of the duels was especially curious, and it was that of the pianist Daniel Steibelt.
Daniel Steibelt against Beethoven
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The first thing is to say that Daniel Steibelt was an impressive pianist of his time. Even having a great skill as a musician, he was challenging an out-of-the-box one. Both pianists met in the hall of a member of the nobility. It is said that from the first moment there was a strong tension between Steibelt and Beethoven, anticipating the duel of pianos that they were going to do. It was Steibelt who challenged Beethoven, and therefore he was asked to begin the challenge by playing the first notes.
Steibelt's idea was to humiliate Beethoven from the first moment, and his strategy was to show his virtuosity. He took out some scores and played one of the most complex pieces he had composed. The effect was immediate and his skills and his virtuous way of playing left impressed everyone in the room. Beethoven remained silent without saying anything.
The turn of Beethoven
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When everyone stopped applauding it became clear that it was Beethoven's turn to mourn. What he did is go to the piano and pick up Steibelt's scores. The next thing was to turn them around and put them back on the piano. Then he sat down in front of the keys and began to play the piece of music. The difference was that he did it in a more fluid and much faster way. Everyone was puzzled and Steibelt himself did not know what to say when Beethoven finished his part of the duel.
The duel ended right there since Steibelt did not want to continue with this peculiar competition. He left the great hall demonstrating that he surrendered and declared Beethoven the winner. It is said that he left Vienna and never returned because of this humiliation. There were many piano duels and it is said that none could be above the great Beethoven. It is clear that he was not only an impressive composer but above all he was an incredible pianist.
