When composers have disabilities, it strongly impacts the way we hear their music, whether it's Robert Schumann and his battle with mental illness, or Frederick Delius, who became paralyzed and blind after he contracted syphilis.
Of course, Ludwig van Beethoven had a significant disability: he lost his hearing in mid-life. This is one of the better-known legends in the annals of music, and a powerful story of overcoming adversity. The recently published book, Extraordinary Measures: Disability in Music, sheds new light on this and other cases of disability. As part of Beethoven Awareness Month, we spoke with its author, Joseph Straus, in his office at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, where he holds the title of Distinguished Professor.
For a discussion:
http://www.wqxr.org/#!/story/172678-...se-or-neither/
Of course, Ludwig van Beethoven had a significant disability: he lost his hearing in mid-life. This is one of the better-known legends in the annals of music, and a powerful story of overcoming adversity. The recently published book, Extraordinary Measures: Disability in Music, sheds new light on this and other cases of disability. As part of Beethoven Awareness Month, we spoke with its author, Joseph Straus, in his office at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, where he holds the title of Distinguished Professor.
For a discussion:
http://www.wqxr.org/#!/story/172678-...se-or-neither/
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