The Life of Beethoven Beethoven was on of the greatest composers in history. He wrote many sympho-nies and compositions. He was most famous for the Third (Eroica), Fifth, Sixth (Pas-torale), Ninth Symphonies, an opera, Fidelio, and his religious composition Missa solem-nis. Beethoven had a great influence on music. Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, on December 16,1770. His mother was a singer in the service of the elector of Koln. His father was a weak-spirited and drank too much, but he recognized his son's talent. His father and his grandfather worked as court musicians. His father hoped to make Ludwig a gifte