Grüße. I am Ludwig van Beethoven. I was born in December 16, 1770, and I am a German composer and pianist. I remain one of the most admired composers in the history of Western music; my works rank among the most performed of the classical music repertoire and span the transition from the Classical period to the Romantic era in classical music. I began to grow increasingly deaf. In my late period, from 1812 to 1827, I extended my innovations in musical form and expression.