Immortal

Beethoven's Immortal Beloved is believed to be Countess Therese Brunsvik, but there is a tragic secret that she is concealing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Unbound

Beethoven's Immortal Beloved: The Enigma Unveiled

After Ludwig van Beethoven's untimely death in 1827, a love letter in his handwriting was discovered, addressed solely to his "Immortal Beloved." Decades later, Countess Therese Brunsvik claimed to be the composer's lost love. However, the truth behind her claim remains shrouded in mystery.

Therese and her sister Josephine began their journey as Beethoven's pupils in 1799, accompanying him through his battles against the onset of deafness, the vibrant atmosphere of Vienna, the societal norms of privilege and hypocrisy, and the tumultuous upheavals of the Napoleonic wars. While Therese yearned for liberation and self-expression, Josephine faced the daunting challenges of pursuing a passionate love in a society that often favored convention and societal expectations.

The identity of Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved" has been a subject of intense speculation and debate for centuries. While Therese's claim gained widespread attention and admiration, some scholars and historians have raised doubts about her authenticity. They point to the lack of concrete evidence linking her to Beethoven and the unconventional nature of their relationship, which was characterized by long periods of separation and intense emotional intensity.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in uncovering the truth behind Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved." Researchers have scoured historical records, examined letters, and conducted DNA analysis in an attempt to identify the person behind the enigmatic love letter. While there have been several proposed candidates, including the Austrian archduchess Marie Louise, the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, and the German poet and playwright Friedrich Schiller, the mystery remains unsolved.

One person who has remained closely connected to the story of Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved" is Therese's granddaughter, Maria Anna "Nannerl" Mozart. Born in 1756, Nannerl was a talented pianist and composer who became close friends with Beethoven during his later years. She was known for her deep affection for him and her unwavering support of his artistic endeavors.

In her memoirs, Nannerl recounted stories about her grandmother's relationship with Beethoven and her own observations of the composer's emotional struggles. She described how Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved" had a profound impact on his life and work, inspiring him to create some of his most celebrated compositions, including the Ninth Symphony and the String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp Minor.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Nannerl firmly believed that Therese was Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved." She believed that their love was a true and enduring bond that transcended the boundaries of time and space. In her memoirs, she expressed her hope that the truth would one day be revealed and that the person behind the love letter would be recognized for their contribution to Beethoven's legacy.

In conclusion, the identity of Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved" remains a captivating enigma that has captured the imagination of music lovers and historians alike. While Therese's claim has gained widespread attention and admiration, the truth behind her claim remains shrouded in mystery. Through ongoing research and exploration, it is hoped that the truth will one day be revealed and that the person behind the love letter will be honored for their contribution to Beethoven's legacy.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789651157