Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) is a German composer and pianist.

A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers.

Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of the Holy Roman Empire, Beethoven moves to Vienna in his early 20s, studying with Joseph Haydn and quickly gaining a reputation as a virtuoso pianist.

His hearing begins to deteriorate in his late twenties, yet he continues to compose, conduct, and perform, even after becoming completely deaf.