Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven overcame incredible personal obstacles to become one of the most famous and well-respected musicians of all time. His father began his training, later passing him off to composer and conductor Christian Gottlob Neefe, who helped shape his musical aspirations.

Despite a struggle with ill health and deafness at the young age of 26, he still became a truly accomplished composer and musician. He rose to fame during his lifetime, composing some of the most beautiful music the world has ever seen without ever having the chance to hear it himself.