Ludwig van Beethoven  (17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) German composer of the Classical and early Romantic era. One of the giants of classical music, Beethoven was prolific and verstaile and produced masterworks in just about every genre. His major works include 9 symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, a great deal of chamber music, sacred choral works including Missa Solemnis, lieder and the opera Fidelio.