Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized December 17, 1770 - March 26, 1827) was a German composer of the late Classical and early Romantic eras.

Widely considered to be among the greatest, if not the greatest composer of western art music, he was also an accomplished pianist. His compositions include some of the most famous and enduring music ever written.

The most remarkable thing about Beethoven is that he completely lost his hearing, yet continued to compose music despite the fact that he could not even hear himself play. In fact, some of his greatest works were composed after he had fallen deaf, including the famous Ninth Symphony.

His works include nine symphonies, sixteen string quartets, 32 piano sonatas, five piano concertos, a violin concerto, an opera (Fidelio), the Missa Solemnis, and numerous other pieces, including chamber music, overtures, incidental music, and songs.

Some of his most popular compositions include the piano bagatelle "Fur Elise" and the Moonlight Sonata., opus 27 no. 2.

In 1801, around the time Beethoven began to lose his hearing, and during the period of his most intense personal crisis, he wrote, "No friend have I. I must live by myself alone; but I know well that God is nearer to me than others in my art, so I will walk fearlessly with Him."