Today, Ludwig van Beethoven is known as one of the greatest composers and musicians of all time. His well-known works include Symphony No.9 and Für Elise. However, a distinct factor that separates Beethoven from other composers was his deafness. Beethoven started losing his hearing in his late-20s with an increased ringing sound in his ears. Eventually, he became completely deaf. At the time, people felt that the more deaf he was becoming, the stranger and worse his music became. Now, Beethoven is appreciated and admired for his unique type of music. Many people now, including myself, believe that his deafness, in fact, was an enhancement for his music instead of holding him back.
In my opinion, Beethoven could compose music without the fear of not being accepted or being judged by himself and others. Instead of having to compose music that would fit into the style of his time, he could not worry about what people thought of him. Furthermore, this would allow him to express his feelings and thoughts through his music more clearly. When he wrote a song, he didn’t have to listen to it first, and correct it if he didn’t like the way it sounded. Overall, Beethoven’s personal judgement of the way one of his songs sounded was not a blockade for his music, and instead gave him free reign of what he wanted and didn’t want to express through his music.
Secondly, Beethoven’s lack of hearing could enhance his creativity and imagination, similarly to how deaf people’s other senses are often slightly enhanced. Beethoven could focus on a more visual and emotional form of music instead of focusing on the specific notes and overall sound of the music. This can be shown through the differences between his and Mozart’s music. Mozart’s music is more clean and precise than Beethoven’s, as if to satisfy himself and the audience. In contrast, Beethoven’s music is more personal and emotional, reflecting his own thoughts and opinions.
Overall, Beethoven’s lack of hearing impacted his music through one way or another. He did not have to worry about the sound of the music and his judgements through the sound. Furthermore, he could express his personal feelings and emotions more clearly through his music.