Ludwig van Beethoven (December 16, 1770 – March 26, 1827) was a
German composer born in Bonn who spent his musical career in
Vienna. A pivotal figure in the development of the Romantic
style, he is one of the most respected and influential composers
of all time. In a career that spanned the transition from the
Classical period to the Romantic period, Beethoven made his mark
in every major instrumental genre of his day, including the
symphony, the string quartet, the piano sonata, and the
concerto. Beethoven's name is synonymous with Classical music:
it is his name which invariably first comes to mind when people
are asked to name the archetypal composer. The reason for this
is his unique combination of innovative genius, moral rectitude
and high seriousness. Beethoven was born into a Bonn family of
Flemish descent. Both his father Johann and his grandfather
Ludwig were musicians at the Court of the Elector of Cologne
which was based in Bonn. His father, a severe man who turned to
drink as his career failed to