“What the hell kind of a topic is this for YOU, of all people to be discussing?”, I hear you say. “You’re the most anti-religious person I know!”, I hear you remark.
Maybe the most anti-religious person you know that is still alive, MIGHT be true. I would have to say the most anti-religious person ever was the man we all know as “Jesus Christ”.
Yes, thats right you christian-denomination creationist motherfuckers – your “saviour” was anti-religious. If he heard the shit you all say and do “in his name”, he would power-chuck on the sidewalk and then slap you one.
So what brought on this topic for my musing?
Well, I just happened to be reading about Frederic Chopin at Wikipedia, which led me on to an article about Ludwig van Beethoven (my favourite composer of all time), which cites articles concerning topics such as his religious beliefs and whatnot.
Whats even stranger is how much like this guy I am. Some sort of copycat, born 157 years and 9 months (give or take) postmortem?
Check it:
Beethovens father had an alcohol addition. One might consider that my mother, stepfather and mothers mother have similar addictions. (Yes thats right – all of you – I’m calling you out – you drink too fucking much).
Beethovens mother died when he was 16. My mother had a Brain Haemorrhage when I was 12 (and didn’t quite kick the bucket).
Became famous in Vienna as a bit of a Piano Virtuoso. I was (for a while) famous in Hamilton as a bit of a Piano playing guy. Regrettably, I gave up.
Beethoven’s patrons loved his music but were not quick to support him. My patrons love most work that I do, but are never quick to support me.
Beethoven may have suffered from Bi-Polar disorder. It has been suggested but not confirmed that I suffer from BPD or Aspergers Syndrome.
Sources show Beethoven indulged a disdain for authority. I am quite the same.
At soirées, Beethoven refused to perform if suddenly called upon to do so. I refuse to even drop what I am doing when called out to greet a visitor. My parents and Juulia can vouch for this.
Beethoven was attracted to the ideals of the Enlightenment. After reading about it, I may have similar ideals, however at this point I am still undecided.
It has been asserted, but not proven, that Beethoven was a Freemason. I wish.
Beethoven worked freelance — arranging subscription concerts, selling his compositions to publishers, and gaining financial support from a number of wealthy patrons — rather than seek out permanent employment. This is me all over, except I freelance in other areas, and much prefer working for myself.
Religious Beliefs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_van_Beethoven%27s_religious_beliefs
Beethoven was born and raised a Roman Catholic – I was born and raised Anglican (non-practicing after about age 10)
Beethoven’s belief in a personal God is undisputed. Ding – I call it “En Theo”.
Somewhat further afield, Beethoven evidently had an interest in Hinduism. The fragments of Indian religious texts that have been discovered in Beethoven’s diary Tagebuch (entries 61-65), are partly translations and partly adaptations of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. I’ve owned a copy of Bhagavad Gita since I was about 15. Next time I am in a hotel in Fukuoka, I will probably be stealing their copy of the teachings of Buddhism, too.
…it’s almost creepy. But then again, there are probably a million other things that I can’t even compare against. We were both born in December (me 7th, him 16th or 17th). It remains to be seen whether I will die in March. At the age of 56. In a thunderstorm. Or if I will ever marry. Or if I will have sordid love affairs. Or if I will go deaf in my mid 20’s (so far, so good)…
