Beethoven did not learn the concept of division and multiplication until his death, as he left school at the age of 11. His lack of basic education made it difficult for him to converse with the aristocrats, so he avoided meeting them.
He dipped his head in icy water before composing, and his reticent nature meant that he did not like to teach either, unless the pupil was a pretty lady, or an exceptionally talented student.Schubert, Beethoven's heir, was long portrayed in the press as an angel-like porcelain figure, but with the ‘tabloid' papers appearing much of the pain and pleasure behind his ethereal figure was revealed.
It is likely, that these strange habits and repressed emotions also contributed to the success of the Septet in E-flat major and the Octet in F major.
Beethoven: Septet in E-flat major
Schubert: Quintet in C-major Op. 163.
