Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German Pianist and Composer. He produced some of the most popular and most frequently played classical music to this day. Beethoven astonishingly produced an immense body of exquisite and prodigious work AFTER becoming deaf midway through his life.Among his most popular work are Moonlight Sonata, 5th Symphony, Für Elise and Ode to Joy.