I have always understood that Beethoven was born on December 16, 1770. It's interesting to note that Beethoven was an adult before he discovered that he had been born in 1770, rather than 1772. Apparently his father, who was impressed at how much money that "other" prodigy Mozart had made as a child star, told everyone that his son Ludwig was two years younger than he actually was, so that his playing would seem more impressive to audiences and patrons.

Another factoid: scientists have recently analyzed a lock of Beethoven's hair, and found that it contains extremely high levels of lead. They theorize that his deafness, as well as the chronic abdominal problemns he experienced in adulthood, may have been the result of lead poisoning -- possibly caused by his unusual habit of bathing frequently (in water that was carried in lead pipes).

If it's not obvious, Beethoven is one of my all-time heroes. His life story is an epic tale of one man's triumph over adversity.