IMAGINE BEING DEAF...so deaf that when you write - arguably one of the world's most beloved, popular and well known symphonies - the only place you can hear it is in your head. Imagine then getting to conduct (with help) that symphony in Vienna after a petition is signed by other musicians to entice you to premiere that symphony in their hometown. Conducting away...Beethoven was several bars off when the symphony ended. The lovely contralto Caroline Unger is credited with turning Beethoven around so he could see the cheering audience. The audience gesticulated wildly throwing their hats in the air handkerchiefs raised and raised hands because the audience knew Beethoven could not hear them. He could not hear their praise but he could see their amazement and love. "The Ode to Joy" ( a poem by Franz Schiller) illuminated in glory by Beethoven's fevered heart and sublime notes is what I am thankful for! Brother/Sisterhood and Equality all themes in "The 9th" I am Thankful for Beethoven, for this crazy, emotional, difficult, smelly, irritable and joyous man with the wild hair. It isn't "rollover" Beethoven ( love you Chuck Berry forever) it's "ROLL ON" for hundreds of years to come! An original "bad boy" yup that's Beethoven. I'm thankful for that too...ah the story where he sledge hammers a wall down in his rental just so he could have a view!! BEETHOVEN we shall always salute you. You romantic heart. I adore you. The 9th always makes me cry...I think Ludwig...those notes in your head and the ears that could not hear them! #Beethoven #Thanksgiving #music #deaf #9thsymphony #love #brotherhood #equality https://www.instagram.com/p/CWoUGFSF0bH/?utm_medium=tumblr
