Scientists sequence Beethoven’s genome using locks of his hair

The German composer and pianist began to suffer progressive hearing loss in his 20s.

Labwork on the Moscheles Lock at the University of Tubingen, Germany (Susanna Sabin/ PA)

Scientists have analysed five locks of what is believed to be Beethoven’s hair to sequence the genome of the prodigious composer.

Their findings indicate it is likely that a genetic predisposition to liver disease and a hepatitis B infection, combined with his broadly accepted alcohol consumption, contributed to his death.

German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770 in Bonn and died in Vienna in 1827 aged 56.