Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist who lived from 1770 to 1827. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music. Beethoven's work spans the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in music, and he is known for his powerful and emotional compositions. Some of his most famous works include the Symphony No. 5, Symphony No. 9 (also known as the "Choral Symphony"), and the Moonlight Sonata. Beethoven's music continues to be celebrated and performed around the world, and he is considered a pivotal figure in the development of classical music.