Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was a German composer and pianist who is one of the most influential figures in the history of Western classical music. Known for his innovative compositions in forms like symphonies, sonatas, and quartets, Beethoven's work laid the foundation for the Romantic era in music. His career is often divided into three periods: Early, Middle ("Heroic"), and Late, each marked by distinct stylistic evolutions. Despite losing his hearing in later life, Beethoven continued to compose groundbreaking works, including his Ninth Symphony and late string quartets. His music is celebrated for its emotional depth and technical complexity.
No composer has had as profound and sustained an influence on immediately following generations to the present day as Beethoven. His instrumental music, especially his symphonies, served as touchstones for symphonic composition throughout the nineteenth century. The extraordinarily high standard of his music and his relative independence as a freelance composer have led to his being characterised as the greatest composer of all time.
