Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a composer of what is now called classical music. He was born in Bonn but spent most of his life in Vienna.

He was a very good pianist, and wrote much of his music for solo piano, or piano and other instruments.

He was one of the key figures in creating the Romantic school of music, which dominated classical music in the 19th century and was very influential in the 20th.

In later life, he became deaf.

See also

• Emperor concerto