Part 1: Ludwig Van Beethoven and the Limits of Hearing

Everyone probably has heard of Beethoven at least once in their lifetime. Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most famous classical composers in history, made even more significant by the hearing disability he experienced.

Most people assume that composers must listen to create musical melodies and musicians must perceive sound to play accordingly. Yet, one of history’s greatest composers lost his hearing during his career.

​Beethoven began to notice problems with his hearing in his late twenties. At first, it was mild; despite ringing in his ears and a few difficulties in listening to high-pitched sounds, he could still hear.

However, his condition gradually worsened, and by his later years, he was almost completely deaf. This was devastating as music was his entire life. His desperation can be seen in his famous letter called the Heiligenstadt Testament, where he described his despair over his increasing deafness, and even his suicidal thoughts.

Yet, he concludes the letter by expressing his continued determination to overcome his physical adversity and fulfill his artistic destiny.

With such commitment, Beethoven continued to compose. In fact, some of his greatest works, such as his Symphony No. 9, which includes the famous “Ode to Joy,” were composed after he was already severely deaf.

Music has often been considered an auditory-centered art. Yet, reflecting Beethoven’s life, people now can ask: is music truly solely for hearing?

​Ultimately, Beethoven demonstrates how physical limitations do not stop creativity.