How did deafness affect Beethoven's career?

Answer 1

It is not known for certain why Beethoven became deaf. Various theories have been put forward, such as syphilis and typhus. It is most likely, however, that the tinnitus he experienced, which gradually degenerated into severe deafness over time, was due to gradual inadvertent lead poisoning.

There is speculation that, because Beethoven was a fairly heavy drinker, he perhaps drank from lead cups. Another alternative is that, because he had consulted so many doctors for his various ailments, lead exposure may have come from the many medical treatments he received which, in his time, were often laced with heavy metals.

Other possible theories for Beethoven's deafness include the fact that, while learning music from his father, Beethoven received beatings from him whenever he made a mistake. His father may have hit him near his ears which might have caused his hearing loss in his later years.

Another theory suggests that the cause of Beethoven's deafness was Otosclerosis. Otosclerosis causes an unusual bone growth in the inner ear, this prevents structures from working correctly, this in turn causes hearing loss. His autopsy results were said to veal thee were lesions in his inner ear.

Answer 2

Ludwig van Beethoven's deafness forced him to stop performing publicly as a pianist. It was said that Beethoven became rather reclusive and standoffish, especially towards those in the music community, because he did not want it to be known that he was becoming deaf.

Let it be known, though, that his greatest works were written after he lost his hearing. His deafness caused him to focus more on composition.

Answer 3

Being deaf could be said to intensify Beethoven's music.

Beethoven's compositional style could be said to be divided into three distinct periods. Prior to his deafness, he tended to write music in the simple, melodic Classical style of his teachers, Haydn and Mozart.

As his deafness progressed, his music lost the simplicity of his earlier composing period, and became more complex and passionate. His "Middle" period of composing began soon after his deafness started. His music of this period tended towards large-scale works expressing heroism and struggle, and included six symphonies, starting with the "Eroica" (3rd symphony), and including the intense Fifth Symphony which clearly illustrates a struggle and ultimate victory.

The "Late" period of Beethoven's career covered the last eleven years of his life, and his compositions reflected his personal expression in their depth and intensity. They were among his most passionate and experimental styles, very much in the Romantic style. This period included his final symphony, the "Choral", which employed the use of voice as a scored instrument for the first time.

Answer 4

Beethoven began composing the most important, impressive works of his life.

Answer 5

he cut off the legs of his piano so that he could feel the vibrations through the ground

Answer 6

Because Beethoven went deaf at a later age in life, when he had a perfect sense of notes, his music wasn't greatly affected by his deafness.

Answer 7

He made more music....