Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist who is widely considered one of the greatest composers of all time. He was born in 1770 in Bonn, Germany and went on to become a prolific composer, known for his groundbreaking compositions in various genres including symphonies, sonatas, and chamber music. Despite losing his hearing later in life, Beethoven continued to compose some of his most famous works, including the Ninth Symphony and the “Moonlight” Sonata. He passed away in 1827, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music that continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.