Was there a blind composer of classical music?

Answer 1

The composer Joaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999), best known for the Concierto de Aranjuez (a concerto for guitar and orchestra), was blind. He lost most of his sight at the age of three after contracting diphtheria, and he wrote his music in Braille.


Bach was severely sight-inhibited near the end of his life due to cataracts; he died after a botched eye surgery (the same doctor also killed Handel, doing the same operation).

Less well known is piano virtuoso and composer Maria von Paradis, who was a friend of Mozart. Maria became blind at an early age.

Although he was not blind, late classical/early romantic composer Friedrich Kuhlau (1786-17832) lost his right eye at the age of seven in an accident.