Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)

Beethoven is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in history. He gave his first public (31) _______ as a pianist when he was only 8 years old. He studied in Vienna (32) _______ the guidance of Mozart. By his mid-twenties he had learned a name for himself as a great pianist known for unpredictable and brilliant improvisations. In 1796, Beethoven began losing his hearing. (33) _______ his illness, he involved himself in his work and (34) _______ some of the greatest works of music. Beethoven's finest works are also the finest works of their kind in music history: the 9th Symphony, the 5th Piano Concerto, the Violin Concerto, the Late Quartets, and his Missa Solemnis. And be achieved all these despite being completely (35) _______ for the last 25 he years or so of his life.