Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven the Elder (c. 5 January 1712 – 24 December 1773) was a Flemish professional singer and music director, best known as the grandfather of the composer Ludwig van Beethoven. In the baptismal register he was named Ludovicus van Beethoven. During his life, his first name was written variously as Lodewyk, Lodewyck, Lodewijck, Lodewijk, Louis, and Ludwig.read more on Wikipedia...