Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770 in Bonn. At first he studied
with his father Johann van Beethoven, but later with court organist
C.G. Neefe. His first published music was at a young age of 12. He
went to Vienna and studied with Haydn, however, the two didn't really
get along well. Ludwig went on to continue his study under
Schenk, Albrechtsberger and Salieri. The aristocracy in Vienna embraced van Beethoven and he had success as piano virtuoso.
He performed in private homes and the palaces of the rich and famous. In 1802 van Beethoven realized that his damaged hearing
would not improve and only worsen. This was obviously a handicap to someone working in the world of music. During that year he was
quite depressed and even wrote a document resembling a will, explaining his situation and frustration with his health. He thought death was near. He survived however, and was strengthened and more determined. This is when his so called "middle period" begins.
It was during this period that he wrote pieces like Pastoral Symphony,
Emperor, and Piano Concertos nos.4 among others.

The years after 1812 were not as productive as his previous years and he again fell into a depressions, because of his hearing problem but also because of social isolation. This late period saw him produce such musical compositions as "Hammerklavier op.106".
Ludwig van Beethoven died in 1827 in Vienna, aged 57.

Beethoven's Music
Here is a short list of Ludwig van Beethoven's music:
(includes operas, symphonies and concertos).

Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major
Leonore No. 2
Fidelio
Six String Quartets
Mount of Olives