Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was a German composer who epitomized Classical music and paved the way for the Romantic era. He is renowned for his profound emotional expression and innovative musical structures, leaving a significant impact on the course of Western music.

Born in Bonn, Beethoven exhibited exceptional musical talent from an early age. In his late teens, he moved to Vienna, where he absorbed the influences of Haydn and Mozart while developing his own distinctive style. He was also an outstanding pianist, especially celebrated for his exceptional skill in improvisation.

Beethovenʼs works are typically divided into three periods: early, middle, and late. His early works were rooted in the traditions of Mozart and Haydn. During his middle period, he composed large-scale and groundbreaking works, such as the *"Eroica Symphony"* (Symphony No. 3). In his late period, despite his progressing deafness, he created deeply spiritual and philosophically profound compositions like the *Ninth Symphony* and *String Quartet No. 14*.

Beethoven produced masterpieces across various musical genres, including symphonies, sonatas, string quartets, and the opera *"Fidelio."* His 32 piano sonatas and nine symphonies, in particular, are celebrated for their innovation and emotional depth, remaining highly significant to this day.