Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German composer, and arguably the most famous of all classical composers on Earth. Beethoven is noted for continuing to compose works even after becoming completely deaf.

The Doctor claimed to have learned how to play the organ (or possibly keyboard instruments in general) from Beethoven, suggesting the two may have met at some point. (DW: The Lazarus Experiment) After the two were abducted by Momus for a dinner party, the Doctor remarked to Beethoven that he loved his Fifth. (WC: The Lonely Computer)

The Doctor once reportedly made light of Beethoven's hearing impairment during an unconfirmed incident involving the audience of the 2008 BBC Proms: "I asked Beethoven if I could rattle off a tune, and he said, 'Pardon?'" (DW: Music of the Spheres)

Behind the scenes

 * The canonicity of Music of the Spheres is uncertain.