Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German pianist and composer widely considered to be the greatest of all time. His innovative compositions combined vocals and instruments, widening the scope of sonata, symphony, concerto and quartet. He was a crucial transitional figure connecting the Classical and Romantic ages of Western Classical music. Beethoven’s personal life was marked by a struggle with hearing, and some of his most important works were composed during the last 10 years of his life