Beethoven, Ludwig van

Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist born in 1770, renowned for his influential music during the transition from the Classical to Romantic era. His compositions, including symphonies, sonatas, and chamber works, are celebrated for their emotional depth, innovation, and technical mastery. Despite becoming deaf later in life, Beethoven continued to create groundbreaking music that has left a lasting legacy in Western classical tradition. His work fundamentally shaped the future of music, making him one of the most revered figures in Western musical history.