as~as ever lived

[Anonymous]

I have been wondering what is the exact or the best meaning of the following sentence. Does he think that Beethoven is the greatest composer among the whole composers or that Beethoven is just great composer like any other great composers? Or is it possible for it to mean either way?



"I think Beethoven is as great a composer as ever lived."


Thanks a lot for your comments!

 

[Tdol]

What he means is that there is no one better- anyone who is that great as to be considered the very best is as good as Beethoven. In other words, he's as good as Mozart, etc. ;-)

 

[RonBee]

The writer thinks Beethoven is the greatest of all composers, and while a scant few might be his equal, none surpass him. There are, in that writer's opinion, none better than Beethoven.

 

[Tdol]

Yep ;-)