Ludwig von Beethoven One of the greatest musical geniuses of all time didn’t even know his own birthday. Ludwig von Beethoven was born second in his family, behind Ludwig Maria, his older brother, who died very young. This loss may still have stung their parents. Their pain could have overshadowed the second Ludwig’s own early childhood. The brothers shared a name, Ludwig, which probably added to his confusion. A common mistake is the …showed first 75 words of 565 total…

…showed last 75 words of 565 total…revolutionary, and simply by displaying his musical genius in great works. Not everyone could tell you about Beethoven’s politics or cultural views. On the other hand, while a few will insist Beethoven was a large St. Bernard in “some movie they saw,” nearly everyone you ask will say, “Oh, yeah, Beethoven. Wasn’t he that music guy?” which is 2000 slang for, “Beethoven may have been the greatest and most influential musician of all time.”