Ludwig van Beethoven was a renowned composer of the Classical and Romantic eras, and is widely considered one of the greatest composers of all time. His most famous works are his nine symphonies, but he also composed many sonatas, which were a specialty of his. Sonatas are pieces of music for solo instruments or small ensembles, usually in three or four movements. Beethoven wrote 32 piano sonatas, five violin sonatas, and seven cello sonatas, among other works.