Anecdotes of Great Musicians/Anecdote 271
271.—BEETHOVEN, BRAIN-OWNER.
Beethoven's relatives have not come down to us lauded as examples of sobriety or kindliness. His brother, Johann, was in many ways the opposite of the composer, Ludwig van Beethoven was possessed of genius, Johann had none; Ludwig had little of this world's goods, Johann had considerable; Ludwig had knowledge instead of business talent, while Johann could turn what he touched into gold and despised his brother's lack of money making. But with all this, the world worships at Ludwig's shrine and has no cause to remember that Johann ever lived.
Johann used to delight in refreshing his brother's memory as to his success in life—a proceeding which we may imagine did not add to the musician's sweetness of temper. On one occasion, however, Ludwig rather got the upper hand of his purse-proud brother, but we may question whether the latter saw the point. Johann having purchased a piece of land, felt rather elated at being a landlord, and sent to his brother on New Year's a card with his name inscribed:—
"Johann van Beethoven, Land-owner."
On receiving it, the composer snatched it up and hastily wrote on the back of the card:—
"Ludwig van Beethoven, Brain-owner," and sent it back to his proud relative.