Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (baptised 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. He is regarded as a central figure in the history of Western art music, and his works are among the most frequently performed in the classical repertoire. His career spans the transition from the Classical period to the Romantic era. Beethoven’s early period, generally dated to about 1802, reflects his development within established Classical forms.