Ludwig van Beethoven (17 December 1770 - 26 March 1827) was a German composer. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music; he remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers.

His best-known compositions include 9 symphonies; 5 piano concertos; 1 violin concerto; 32 piano sonatas; 16 string quartets; his great Mass the Missa solemnis and an opera; Fidelio.