, Ludwig van (1770-1827) The composer of some of the most influential pieces of music ever written, Ludwig van created a bridge between the 18th-century classical period and the new beginnings of Romanticism. His greatest breakthroughs in composition came in his instrumental work, including his symphonies. Unlike his predecessor Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, for whom writing music seemed to come easily, always struggled to perfect his work. Ludwig van was born in Bonn, Germany, and was baptized on Dec. 17, 1770. (There is no record of his birth ....