Ludwig van Beethoven, baptised on 17 December 1770 and deceased on 26 March 1827, was a German composer and pianist. His works are significant in the transition from the Classical period to the Romantic era. Beethoven's early period, lasting until 1802, was marked by the development of his musical craft. His middle period, from 1802 to around 1812, showcased a distinctive style influenced by Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, often described as heroic. During this time, he began to experience increasing deafness. His late period, from 1812 to 1827, was characterized by innovative musical forms and expressions.Born in Bonn, Beethoven exhibited musical talent early in life. His father, Johann van Beethoven, initially provided his music education, followed by Christian Gottlob Neefe. In 1783, under Neefe's guidance, Beethoven published his first work, a set of keyboard variations. He found solace in the family of Helene von Breuning, where he taught piano to her children. At the age of 21, he moved to Vienna, where he studied composition with Haydn and gained recognition as a virtuoso pianist. His early patron, Prince Lichnowsky, supported his compositions, leading to the publication of his first piano trios in 1795.Beethoven's First Symphony premiered in 1800, and his first set of string quartets was published in 1801. By 1798, he began to experience hearing loss, yet he continued to conduct and premiere significant works, including his Third and Fifth Symphonies in 1804 and 1808, respectively. His last piano concerto, the Emperor, premiered in 1811. By 1815, Beethoven was nearly completely deaf, ceasing public performances and expressing his struggles in letters, including the Heiligenstadt Testament in 1802.Despite his declining health, Beethoven composed many acclaimed works during his late period, including his last three symphonies, mature chamber music, and late piano sonatas. His only opera, Fidelio, was first performed in 1805 and underwent revisions until its final version in 1814. He composed the Missa solemnis between 1819 and 1823 and his Ninth Symphony, which included choral elements, between 1822 and 1824. His late string quartets, including the Grosse Fuge, completed in 1825-1826, are among his final achievements. After a prolonged illness, Beethoven died on 26 March 1827 at the age of 56.Beethoven was the grandson of a musician who moved to Bonn, where he became a prominent figure in the court of Clemens August, Archbishop-Elector of Cologne. His father, Johann, also worked in music but struggled with alcoholism, which affected Beethoven's upbringing. Beethoven's early education included various local teachers, and he began composing at a young age. His first significant teacher was Neefe, who recognized his talent and helped him publish his early works.Beethoven's move to Vienna in 1792 marked a turning point in his career. He initially focused on study and performance, mastering counterpoint and violin. His reputation grew, and he began receiving financial support from noble patrons. By 1795, he had established himself as a piano virtuoso and composer, with his first public performance in Vienna marking his arrival as a significant musical figure. His early compositions, including piano sonatas and string quartets, demonstrated his growing mastery of the Viennese style.Beethoven's middle period began with the realization of his hearing loss, leading to a shift in his compositional style. His Third Symphony, Eroica, marked a departure from traditional forms and was initially inspired by Napoleon. This period produced many of his most celebrated works, including the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies, the Violin Concerto, and the opera Fidelio. Despite personal and financial challenges, Beethoven continued to innovate and expand the boundaries of classical music.In his final years, Beethoven faced significant health issues and personal struggles, including legal battles over the guardianship of his nephew, Karl. Nevertheless, he continued to compose, producing the Missa solemnis and the Ninth Symphony, which would become landmarks in Western music. Beethoven's death in 1827 marked the end of a prolific career that profoundly influenced the course of classical music.