Classical Composer Ludwig van Beethoven Was Full of Heavy Metal

ZME Science via MSN ^ | 25 May 2025 | Tibu Pulu

[Publius]

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a prodigious composer, credited with 722 works that pushed the boundaries of music and ushered in the Romantic era. Yet, his personal life was marred by several health challenges. Beethoven continued working despite deafness (and what a curse that must have felt like for a composer of his caliber), gastrointestinal troubles, and jaundice.

A year ago, scientists sequenced Beethoven’s genome from his hair. They found genetic risk factors for liver disease but nothing conclusive about his other ailments. Now, new research suggests lead toxicity might explain the composer’s suffering.

[higgmeister]

I wasn’t attempting to dispute the truth, but the truth is also that we grew up from at least the 1950’s being told his name was Ludwig Von Beethoven and there is vast list of websites verifying that.

[OKSooner]

Thank you for posting that.

[P.O.E.]

Thanks for those links.

[higgmeister]

[xp38]

roll over Beethoven....tell Tchaikovsky the news

[AnAmericanMother]

Error by the reviewer (or his typesetter). If you look at the 1970 original it’s “Van”.

https://annas-archive.org/md5/a3793eb0fef34b2aadaa0115840320f2

I think the error is made mostly in secondary sources and by non-German speakers. I do speak/read German, had no idea this error was so common.

[higgmeister]

I think the error is made mostly in secondary sources and by non-German speakers. I do speak/read German, had no idea this error was so common.

As JBW1949 first stated here, we didn't have a clue we were taught wrong.

[higgmeister]

I think the error is made mostly in secondary sources and by non-German speakers. I do speak/read German, had no idea this error was so common.

As JBW1949 first stated here, we didn't have a clue we were taught wrong.

[Sirius Lee]

Screw your wire bands! Everybody knows it’s the late Sonatas which kick ass starting with the Hammerklavier.

[Publius]

That's a bit extreme. The Late Piano Sonatas are wonderful, but the Late Strong Quartets are wonderful too.

Piano Sonata in A, Op. 101

Piano Sonata in B-flat ("Hammerklavier")
The slow movement has been described as "a mausoleum of collective sorrow."

Piano Sonata in E, Op. 109

Piano Sonata in A-flat
I saw Schiff play this in Vancouver. In the finale, Beethoven takes a common street song and turns it into something divine.

Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 111
In the final movement Beethoven invents jazz.

[Sirius Lee]

Piano Sonata in B-flat ("Hammerklavier") The slow movement has been described as "a mausoleum of collective sorrow."

The Fugue has been described by pianists as "Aw, hell. Screw this, I give up."

[macrahanish #1]

“Let’s bag him!”

[AnAmericanMother]

You can't help what you don't know!

On another thread, folks were talking about how language majors don't pay off. I had a German minor - except my college doesn't "do" minors! This - and singing Bach - is about the only time it's been any use.

[higgmeister]

I don't always remember that you are the only Freeper I have met and talked with face-to-face.   You sang at my second cousin, Sandra Shuler's funeral.

[AnAmericanMother]

My goodness, I had forgotten! We do have an excellent choir (mostly because of our choirmaster, who's a flippin' genius).

Usually everyone remembers my husband, because I'm just a little Black Irishwoman, while my husband was 6'6", 250, with a beard to rival Grizzly Adams . . .

[higgmeister]

LOL, I remember, but don't sell yourself short, he is just tall.   As I remember, you are the lovely and excessively personable one.

[AnAmericanMother]

You are too kind. But, as a friend of mine said - he held me up while I scattered stars.