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AES New York 2007 Special Event Saturday, October 6, 11:30 am — 12:30 pm
LUNCHTIME KEYNOTE: CHARLES J. LIMB AND PATRICK J. DONNELLY
Abstract: Introduction by Poppy Crum
Beethoven's Deafness
The compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven are widely regarded as seminal masterpieces that changed not only the course of musical history, but also human history more broadly. The tremendous impact of his musical output is even more striking in the context of the composer's well-known hearing loss. Despite recent advances in medical understanding of hearing loss, however, the cause of Beethoven's hearing loss remains a mystery. This session will review Beethoven's musical compositions from the perspective of a musician with progressive hearing loss, and in the context of medical diagnoses based on modern otologic principles. Recent data, including studies of Beethoven's hair, will also be discussed as part of this investigative study of one of the great mysteries of classical music.
Last Updated: 20070914, mei
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