Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized 17 December, 1770, Bonn – died 26 March, 1827, Vienna, Austria) was a German composer of classical music, who lived predominantly in Vienna, Austria. He was a major musical figure in the transitional pe

Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized 17 December, 1770, Bonn – died 26 March, 1827, Vienna, Austria) was a German composer of classical music, who lived predominantly in Vienna, Austria. He was a major musical figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras. Beethoven is widely regarded as one of history's greatest composers. His reputation has inspired — and in many cases intimidated — composers, musicians, and audiences who were to come after him. Among his most widely-recognized works are his Fifth Symphony, Ninth Symphony, Sixth Symphony, the piano piece Für Elise, the Pathétique Sonata and the Moonlight Sonata.

Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, to Johann van Beethoven (1740–1792), of Flemish origins, and Magdalena Keverich van Beethoven (1744–1787). Until relatively recently, many reference works showed 16 December as Beethoven's "date of birth", since he was baptized on 17 December and children at that time were generally baptized the day after their birth. However, modern scholarship does not make such assumptions.