Ludwig van Beethoven (German: Ludwig van Beethoven, baptized 17 December 1770, Bonn, Westphalia - March 26, 1827, Vienna, Austria archduchy) - German composer and pianist, a representative of "the Viennese classical school." Beethoven - a key figure in Western classical music in the period between classicism and romanticism, one of the most respected and performed composers in the world. He wrote in all existed in his time of genres, including opera, music for dramatic productions, choral works. The most significant of his legacy are considered instrumental works: piano, violin and cello sonatas, concertos for piano, violin, quartets, overtures and symphonies. Beethoven's creativity has had a significant impact on the symphony XIX and XX centuries.