Ludwig van Beethoven, born on December 17, 1770, in Bonn, Germany, was a key figure in the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era in Western music. A child prodigy, he was initially taught by his father and later moved to Vienna at 21, where he studied under Joseph Haydn and quickly gained fame as a virtuoso pianist and composer.

Beethoven's career is often divided into three periods. In his "Middle Period," despite the onset of his hearing loss, he produced assertive and expansive works like the Third Symphony (Eroica) and the Fifth Symphony. His "Late Period" saw the creation of his most innovative and complex compositions, such as the Ninth Symphony, the Missa Solemnis, and his late string quartets, characterized by emotional intensity and structural innovation.

Never married, Beethoven was known for his solitary and complex nature, facing numerous personal struggles and health issues. He died on March 26, 1827, in Vienna. His profound impact on music continues to be felt, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest composers in Western history.