Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827) was a German composer and pianist. He stands as one of the most famous and influential of all composers. He wrote 9 symphonies, 5 concertos for piano, 32 piano sonatas, and 16 string quartets, and many other works, including choral pieces, chamber pieces, and songs. Even after he became deaf, he continued to compose, conduct, and perform the rest of his life.