Ludwig van Beethoven (December 17, 1770 - March 26, 1827) was a German composer and pianist. He is widely regarded as one of classical music's supreme composers, and was a seminal figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in music. His reputation and genius has inspired - and in many cases intimidated - ensuing generations of composers, musicians, and audiences.
Born in Bonn, Germany, he moved to Vienna, Austria, in his early twenties, and settled there, studying with Joseph Haydn and quickly gaining a reputation as a virtuoso pianist. In his late twenties he began to lose his hearing, and yet continued to produce notable masterpieces throughout his life in the face of this personal disaster, even after his deafness became absolute.
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