Classical Composers in the Digital Age

When Ludwig van Beethoven was born in December 1770, the world was a different place. And while the German composer and pianist who would have turned 250 today is naturally long gone, he left a musical legacy that endured centuries.

Until today, Beethoven’s music remains highly relevant, even though the maestro would probably be a bit overwhelmed by the way people listen to his work in the digital age. According to data shared by Spotify, Beethoven has 6.1 million monthly listeners on the world’s most popular streaming service, trailing only his compatriot Johann Sebastian Bach in terms of his monthly audience.

And while that doesn’t make Beethoven another Drake, who has more than 50 million monthly listeners, it’s doubtful the stars of the digital age will still be listened to 250 years from now, when Beethoven will likely still be a household name.