Ludwig van Beethoven (IPA:[ˈlʊtvɪç va:n ˈbe:tovən],baptized December 17,1770[1] – March 26,1827) was a German composer.He is generally regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of music,and was the predominant figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music.His reputation and genius have inspired — and in many cases intimidated — ensuing generations of composers,musicians,and audiences.While primarily known today as a composer,he was also a celebrated virtuoso pianist and conductor,and an accomplished violinist.
Born in Bonn,Germany,he moved to Vienna,Austria,in his early twenties,and settled there,studying with Joseph Haydn and quickly gaining a reputation as a virtuoso pianist.In his late twenties he began to lose his hearing gradually,and yet he continued to produce notable masterpieces throughout his life,even when his deafness was almost total.Beethoven was one of the first composers who worked as a freelance — arranging subscription concerts,selling his compositions to publishers,and gaining financial support from a number of wealthy patrons — rather than being permanently employed by the church or by an aristocratic court.
