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#1 Beethoven was the eldest of three children, but not the firstborn. His arrival brought unbridled joy to his parents, but his parents were not married because they were thought to be marrying beneath themselves. His father, a musician, had established himself as the most senior and respected musician in Bonn.

#2 The Beethoven family had a liking for alcohol, and it is tempting to suggest that there was a generous supply of wine on the table. However, the family was highly respected thanks to the accomplishments of Ludwig senior.

#3 The marriage between Ludwig van Beethoven and Maria Magdalena Keverich was a small and one-sided affair, attended reluctantly by Ludwig senior, whose tears at his own memories might have hardened his heart still further.

#4 The marriage between Johann and Maria Magdalena van Beethoven was not long, as Maria Magdalena was already pregnant. The baby died a week after being baptized, and Maria Magdalena fell pregnant again.