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Hearing Beethoven: A Story of Musical Loss and Discovery

by Robin Wallace
Univ. of Chicago. Oct. 2018. 288p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780226429755. $25. MUSIC
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Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. It is all the more remarkable that he wrote a significant number of works after he had virtually lost his hearing. Beethoven scholar Wallace (musicology, Baylor Univ.) offers a probing examination of the artist's creative process and how he turned his hearing loss to his advantage. The author interweaves the personal experiences of his late wife, Barbara, who also became deaf. Though Beethoven's loss was gradual, Wallace points out that Barbara's was a "sudden, devastating blow." While helping his wife cope with her deafness, Wallace gained insight into hearing loss and noticed striking comparisons between what Barbara and Beethoven faced as they attempted to adapt.
VERDICT The author deepens readers' knowledge of Beethoven's artistic life while broadening their understanding of hearing and loss. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Edward B. Cone, New York , Sep 15, 2018
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