Anecdotes of Great Musicians/Anecdote 164
164.—THE DEAF BEETHOVEN.
The deaf Beethoven and the blind Handel are pitiful pictures. For many years Beethoven could hear no note of music, yet in this time he put forth some of his mightiest works.
At the first performance of his immortal Ninth Symphony, Beethoven himself conducted. But he could not hear a single tone from the orchestra and chorus. When, at the close of the work, the audience loudly applauded, Beethoven was entirely oblivious of it until the lady who sang the alto solo part had turned him around facing the people, so he could see the clapping of hands. It was a touching sight, and the people were deeply affected by the condition of this grand old man, who had to see, instead of hear, the applause for his music.