Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western music. His works bridged the Classical and Romantic eras, expanding the possibilities of form, harmony, and emotional expression. Born in Bonn, he showed musical talent from an early age and moved to Vienna in his twenties, studying under Joseph Haydn. His early compositions reflected the Classical style of Mozart and Haydn, but he soon developed a more personal, dramatic voice.

Beethoven’s career can be divided into three periods. His early period (up to 1802) included works like the Pathétique Sonata and his first two symphonies, still rooted in Classical tradition. His middle period, often called the “heroic” period, saw larger, more expressive works, including Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), the Fifth Symphony, and the Appassionata Sonata. During this time, he began to lose his hearing, but this did not halt his creativity. His late period, marked by profound innovation, includes the Ninth Symphony with its famous Ode to Joy, the Missa Solemnis, and the final string quartets, which explore complex structures and deep emotion.

Despite his deafness, Beethoven revolutionised music with his expanded symphonic forms, powerful use of motifs, and bold harmonic progressions. His legacy influenced composers from Brahms to Mahler, and his works remain central to the classical repertoire.