Hearing Beethoven: A Story of Musical Loss and Discovery

Robin Wallace, a musician who has experienced deafness personally, demonstrates that Beethoven's response to his deafness was human and that by understanding his adaptations, we can gain a deeper appreciation of his music. Wallace's story reveals that Beethoven did not overcome his deafness or function like a hearing person, but instead adapted to it and changed the way he interacted with music, revealing important aspects of its nature. This insight makes Beethoven and his music more accessible and highlights the positive impact of disability on human wholeness and flourishing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Beethoven's deafness is often portrayed as a heroic struggle, with the image of a fierce and scowling composer persevering against his rapidly progressing deafness. However, the truth is that Beethoven's response to his deafness was entirely human. By demystifying his actions, we can gain valuable insights into his music. Robin Wallace, a dedicated scholar and personal experience with deafness, is uniquely positioned to help us understand Beethoven's music. In his book, Wallace explores Beethoven's creative life, interweaving it with his and his late wife Barbara's experience of living with deafness. Through this narrative, Wallace reveals aspects of Beethoven's music that only those who have lived with deafness can truly appreciate.

Wallace demonstrates that Beethoven did not attempt to overcome his deafness in a heroic manner. Instead, he adapted to his hearing loss and changed the way he interacted with music. This adaptation revealed important aspects of music's nature that had previously been overlooked. For example, Wallace notes that Beethoven became more sensitive to the subtleties of rhythm and melody, which he could now perceive more clearly through his heightened sense of touch. He also developed a deeper appreciation for the emotional power of music, which he could now experience more intensely.

One of the most significant insights provided by Wallace's book is that deafness can enhance human wholeness and flourishing. Beethoven's deafness forced him to confront his limitations and find new ways to express himself. He became more introspective and reflective, and his music became more introspective and expressive as a result. Beethoven's deafness also allowed him to connect with others on a deeper level, as he had to rely more on his other senses to communicate. This connection with others led to a sense of community and belonging that was rare in his life.

In conclusion, Robin Wallace's book offers a fresh perspective on Beethoven's deafness and its impact on his music. By demystifying Beethoven's actions and revealing the insights that only those who have lived with deafness can provide, Wallace helps us to understand Beethoven and his music on a deeper level. Through this understanding, we can appreciate the beauty and power of Beethoven's music and recognize the ways in which disabilities can enhance human wholeness and flourishing.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226815367