Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist born in Bonn in 1770. He was a crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in music. Beethoven’s father was a court musician, and he recognized his son’s musical talent at an early age. By the age of 17, Beethoven moved to Vienna, where he studied with renowned composers such as Haydn and Salieri. His early works were heavily influenced by Mozart and Haydn, but he later developed his unique style characterized by innovative harmonies, complex structures, and powerful emotions. Beethoven’s most famous works include his nine symphonies, his piano concertos, and his opera Fidelio. His music is still widely performed and admired today and has had a profound influence on subsequent composers. Beethoven struggled with hearing loss throughout his life, which steadily worsened, but he continued to compose until his death in 1827.