In the world of music and composition, Ludwig Van Beethoven is a name forever remembered. That’s just the kind of influence Beethoven’s work has on hardcore music fans–even if people are unfamiliar with his work per se, almost everyone knows him as a world-famous pianist and composer.

The German musician is known for his contribution to classical music during the transition from the classical to the romantic era.

Whether you are a die-hard classical music fan or a casual listener, so here are some facts about the German composer that will certainly interest you.

1. No One knows Beethoven’s Birthdate

Ludwig Van Beethoven was born in the year 1770 in Bonn, Germany. Although the exact date of his birth is unknown, it is understood that he was born in the month of December and was baptized on the 17th of December, 1770.

2. Ludwig Van Beethoven Lived His Father’s Dream

Beethoven would’ve never gotten into music if it weren’t for his father. Being a failed musician himself, Beethoven Sr. ensured that his son followed a strict training regimen every day, practicing for hours upon hours to hone his talent.

Mikhail Nilov/Pexels | It is said that Beethoven was often beaten up by his father if he played the notes wrong

3.  He Never Went to School

Beethoven was only 11 years of age when he had to drop out of school to help support his family. As a result, he never got the chance to study multiplication or division but it all worked out for him in the end.

4. Beethoven Came from A Big Family

Beethoven had six siblings but sadly, four of his siblings tragically passed away at a young age.

5. Ludwig was A Fan of Alcohol

Growing up with a strict alcoholic father, Beethoven also picked up on his father’s alcoholic traits later on in life.

6. Beethoven was A Young Prodigy

Despite his difficult upbringing and the tough circumstances during his younger years, Beethoven was able to publish his first composition at the age of 12.

Yan Krukov/Pexels | What is even more impressive is that it was written in C minor, making it difficult to play

7. Not A Healthy Champ

Beethoven spent most of his life dealing with illnesses as he was quite prone to them. It is reported that he had suffered from medical issues such as colitis, typhus, skin disorders, abscesses, a number of infections, and chronic hepatitis, among others.

Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels | Despite being ill for most of his life, he still managed to make his mark in the world of music

Despite being ill for most of his life, Beethoven still managed to make his mark in the world of music and leave a lasting legacy.

So, what do you think of Beethoven? He seems like a pretty cool chap, right?