Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. He is counted among the most outstanding composers in music history. His father Johann van Beethoven recognized his son's extraordinary talent early on and ensured a solid musical education. Beethoven first performed publicly as a pianist at the age of seven. In 1782 his first piano compositions were published. In 1784 his teacher wrote "he will certainly become a second Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart if he progresses as he started". In 1792 Beethoven went to Vienna to take lessons with Joseph Haydn. The relationship between the renowned teacher and the headstrong, self-confident student did not remain free from disagreements and conflicts. Nevertheless, Haydn's works had a lasting impact on Beethoven's development as a composer, especially in the fields of symphony and chamber music. As his hearing deteriorated, Beethoven concentrated more and more on composing. While other composers often wrote their works quickly put on paper, Beethoven struggled for every note. Over and over there was reworked and improved. In most of the musical genres and formations to which Beethoven contributed compositions, his works are among the most important of their kind. The 9 symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, piano variations, 5 piano concertos, a violin concerto, 16 string quartets, further chamber music such as the piano trios, violin and cello sonatas, vocal and stage works, the opera "Fidelio" and the "Missa solemnis" should be mentioned by name. Ludwig van Beethoven led the Viennese Classic to its highest development and paved the way for Romantic music. His popularity is unbroken, and today he is one of the most performed composers in the world.