From the collection of Dr. Ludwig Nohl, also his letters to the Archduke Rudolph, Cardinal-Archbishop of Olmuetz, from the collection of Dr. Ludwig Ritter von Koechel. Translated by Lady Wallace. According to Wikipedia: "Ludwig van Beethoven (16 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. He was a crucial figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music, and remains one of the most acclaimed and influential composers of all time."