Classical Composers With Very Strange Quirks

Classical composers are known for their incredible musical talent and profound contributions to the world of music. However, behind their musical genius, many of these composers had peculiar quirks and eccentricities that added a touch of eccentricity to their lives. In this article, we'll explore the lives of five classical composers who had rather strange quirks that set them apart from the ordinary.

1. Ludwig van Beethoven - Counting Coffee Beans

Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most celebrated composers in history, had a peculiar obsession with his daily cup of coffee. Legend has it that he meticulously counted 60 coffee beans for each cup he prepared, believing that this precise number produced the perfect brew. He even carried a notebook with him to record the exact number of beans he used throughout the day. Beethoven's obsession with counting coffee beans may seem strange, but it reveals his meticulous nature and attention to detail. It demonstrates his unwavering pursuit of perfection, both in his music and in his everyday routines.

2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Immature Humor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, renowned for his prodigious talent, also had a mischievous side. He possessed a fondness for bathroom humor and was known to incorporate it into his music and personal interactions. Mozart would often compose humorous pieces that included crude jokes or potty references, much to the amusement of his friends and patrons. While Mozart's immature humor may seem peculiar, it showcases his lighthearted and playful personality. His unconventional approach to music and life allowed him to create compositions that were both technically brilliant and entertaining.

3. Erik Satie - Eccentric Lifestyle

Erik Satie, a French composer known for his minimalist and avant-garde compositions, led a truly eccentric lifestyle. He would often wear identical gray velvet suits, eat only white foods, and surround himself with unusual objects like umbrellas and ornate walking sticks. Satie even went as far as owning seven identical pianos, placing them strategically in his apartment to create an otherworldly musical experience. Satie's eccentricities were not limited to his personal life; they extended to his compositions as well. He developed a unique notation system and invented new musical terms, adding an element of quirkiness to his already unconventional music.

4. Jean-Baptiste Lully - Conducting With a Large Staff

Jean-Baptiste Lully, a prominent French composer of the Baroque era, had a rather unusual way of conducting his orchestra. He used a large staff, known as a "long stick," to beat time and maintain control over the musicians. However, Lully's conducting style ultimately led to his downfall when he accidentally struck his foot while vigorously pounding the staff, resulting in a gangrenous infection that led to his untimely death. Lully's choice of conducting with a large staff may seem bizarre, but it highlights his commanding presence and strict discipline as a conductor. 

5. Johann Sebastian Bach - Coffee Addiction

Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most influential composers of the Baroque period, had a passionate love for coffee. He was an avid coffee drinker and composed a humorous tribute to the beverage called "Coffee Cantata." Bach's devotion to coffee was so strong that he often clashed with authorities who sought to restrict its consumption. Bach's coffee addiction may not be as strange as some other quirks on this list, but it showcases his affinity for the stimulant and the inspiration it provided him. Coffee became an integral part of Bach's daily life and artistic process, demonstrating the profound influence that a simple beverage can have on a composer's creativity.