The famous musician Ludwig van Beethoven who lived from December 17, 1770, to March 26, 1827, was one of the most superb and influential composers that walked the earth. Hearing his ninth symphony could always provide comfort when one's heart is down and trodden.

It is odd that such a man with magnificent talent and ability can also be an author of one of the most romantic love letters ever to be written.

The great composer was never married to any woman, but he fell in love with the woman of his dreams, unnamed damsel which he addressed as his "immortal beloved." No one knew who she was, but a historical seem to point her identity to Antonie Brentano, a woman from Viennese aristocracy married to a businessman from Frankfurt.

Among the effects Beethoven left behind are letters, purportedly written for Madame Brentano, were never mailed to her. Perhaps, the fact that she was married kept Beethoven from sending them preferring discretion over valor.

These letters were included in the 50 greatest love letters of all time and were described as coming from a frustrated heart.

In one letter dated July 5, 1812, Beethoven wrote:

"My angel, my very self... Why this profound sorrow, when necessity speaks - can our love endure without sacrifices, without our demanding everything from one another; can you alter the fact that you are not wholly mine, that I am not wholly yours? - Dear God, look at Nature in all her beauty and set your heart at rest about what must be - Love demands all, and rightly so..."

One can definitely feel the agony that Beethoven experienced in his adulterous relationship with the woman. In a succeeding letter dated July 7, 1812, where he wrote how miserable his life had been realizing that they could never be together as often as they should.

Forbidden love is indeed bittersweet.