Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (baptised 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. He is one of the greatest composers in the history of classical music, and his symphonies redefined the medium for later musicians. Beethoven's career spanned the transition from the Classical to Romantic period of music in Europe. He gained recognition as a composer in Germany during his early period, which lasted until 1802.