Ludwig van Beethoven the Elder

Ludwig van Beethoven
Portrait by Amelius Radoux, 1773, now in the Beethoven House, Bonn
Born
Lodewijk van Beethoven

c. (1712-01-05)January 5, 1712
DiedDecember 24, 1773(1773-12-24) (aged 61)
Other namesLudwig van Beethoven Sr.
Occupations
  • Singer
  • music director
SpouseMaria Josepha Poll
Children3, including Johann van Beethoven
RelativesLudwig van Beethoven (grandson)

Ludwig van Beethoven (c.January 5, 1712 – December 24, 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.