The most significant notes ever written were quite possibly the first four notes of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony – three short beats followed by one long. Some say they represented the heavy hand of Fate knocking on one’s door.

There’s no doubt that German born composer Ludwig van Beethoven suffered deeply for his art, and those around him suffered, too. He was known to be short-tempered, poorly groomed, and ill mannered. He talked to himself, he didn’t bathe, and he let his hair grow long and wild during a time when meticulous pigtails were the style for men’s hair.

The year his father began teaching him to play piano, Ludwig was so small he was unable to reach the keys. Johann was a tenor, and supplemented his income giving voice and violin lessons. Neighbors recall Ludwig crying at the piano, standing on the bench to better reach the keys. Johann was an abuser who rapped his knuckles and whipped him whenever he made mistakes. Some speculate it may have been a severe boxing blow to the ears that started Ludwig on the gradual road to his deafness. An autopsy showed a distended inner ear. Hair samples reveal toxic levels of lead, which may have played a role. We do know that he suffered from a severe form of tinnitus, a ringing of the ear, which made conversation difficult, and impaired his ability to perceive and appreciate music. His condition may explain why his later works were so heavy handed – it was the only way he could hear his own music.

Beethoven couldn’t hear his audience, either, and after a concert, had to be physically turned to see them standing and applauding.

Several failed attempts at romance led him to celibacy. He considered himself unattractive. He was scarred from smallpox, with a large head and protruding teeth which he polished, constantly, with his napkin. He was messy, had sloppy penmanship, and he loved macaroni and cheese. He liked strong coffee and made it himself – exactly 60 beans to the cup. He was certainly a character, if not the greatest composer who ever lived.