Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in Western classical music. He was born in 1770 in Bonn, Germany, and went on to study with famous composers such as Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Beethoven’s music is characterized by its emotional depth, innovation, and complexity, and he is known for his symphonies, piano sonatas, and string quartets. Despite facing personal challenges such as deafness, Beethoven continued to compose prolifically until his death in 1827. His legacy remains a major influence on classical music and his works are still widely performed and celebrated today.