Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in Western music history. Despite becoming almost completely deaf in his later years, Beethoven continued to compose music that would go on to become some of the most iconic works in classical music. His compositions include symphonies, sonatas, and concertos, with his Ninth Symphony being one of his most celebrated works.

Beethoven's ability to compose music after losing his hearing has fascinated both scholars and musicians for centuries. His works are often seen as bridging the Classical and Romantic eras of music. The emotion and complexity found in his later compositions, particularly in his piano sonatas and string quartets, mark him as a pivotal figure in the transition to Romanticism in classical music.