Franz Joseph Haydn was born in Austria on March 31, 1732. Sixty years later, he would give Ludwig Van Beethoven his first music composition lesson on December 12, 1792. At 22, Ludwig Von Beethoven may not have realized it, but this lesson began a remarkable career as a composer.

At the time, studying may not have been a priority, with rumors of war originating from France and the sudden demise of Beethoven's father. Despite the odds against him, he could make the most of his studies under his old master. Here are a few fun facts about the duo.

Fun Facts:

• Beethoven was born in Bonn and baptized on December 17, 1770. At an early age, his musical talent was evident.
• Joseph Haydn was an Austrian composer who contributed significantly to developing the classical style in the 18th century.
• Haydn sang in the church choir as a young man and got acquainted with different musical instruments.
• In June of 1972, Haydn left London after a successful stint where he was hailed a musical genius. On his travels, he stopped at Bonn, where he met the 22-year-old Ludwig Van Beethoven.
• Haydn once stated that Beethoven would one day be considered Europe's greatest composer. He further added that he would be happy to be called his teacher.
• Beethoven began losing his hearing when he was about 28 years old, and by the time he reached 45, he was completely deaf. He communicated with others through written notes for the rest of his life.
• He continued to compose music, despite his deafness.
• After Beethoven’s death in 1827, some of his hair was cut. Scientists have since discovered an unusually high level of lead in his system, which may have contributed to the loss of his hearing.