He couldn’t hear. Of all people. Not a thing. And because Beethoven couldn’t hear, the thought of him conducting, let alone composing, was pathetic to most people. And so to answer them, he composed and conducted the seventh symphony. Just try to imagine; Beethoven standing on that podium, holding his baton, his hands waving gracefully through the air. The orchestra in his mind is playing perfectly, and the orchestra in front of him, trying desperately just to keep up. There is a story, that in order to write his music, Beethoven literally sawed the legs off of his piano, so that the body would lay flat on the floor. And he would lie down next the piano with his ear pressed to the floor, and he would hit the keys with his fingers in order to hear his music through the vibrations of the floor. (Glenn Holland, “Mr. Holland’s Opus”)
This is what happened at the premier of his 9th Symphony. * The contralto Caroline Unger walked over and gently turned Beethoven around to accept the audience’s cheers and applause. According to the critic for the Theater-Zeitung, “the public received the musical hero with the utmost respect and sympathy, listened to his wonderful, gigantic creations with the most absorbed attention and broke out in jubilant applause, often during sections, and repeatedly at the end of them.” The audience acclaimed him through standing ovations five times; there were handkerchiefs in the air, hats, and raised hands, so that Beethoven, who they knew could not hear the applause, could at least see the ovations.I must admit it brought a tear to my eye when I first read it too. *
I have always believed Beethoven to be one of the most altruistic people to have ever lived. He gave us the most beautiful music just like the magnificent 9th with it’s soul inspiring Ode to Joy and never heard it played and yet he kept composing so mankind would have his beautiful music forever. I’m listen to him now coincidentally enough. I have a wonderful arrangement of his Moonlight Sonata that just brings me pure bliss. I turn it on and I am swept away. God bless you wonderful Maestro and thank you. On behalf of a troubled world, Thankyou. ♥
And this is my other favorite strip, along with the one two days ago where Schroeder wearing his overcoat because the music gave him the chills. As a little girl taking piano lessons back in the 60’s, I enjoyed Beethoven, too. I love Schroeder so much!❤️
Izzy Moreno 10 months ago
Hey, I’m crying too.
GeorgeInAZ 10 months ago
Kindness is as beautiful as the symphony.
jasonsnakelover 10 months ago
She did what Schroeder would’ve done.
iggyman 10 months ago
Very sad story.
markkahler52 10 months ago
It is to weep…
davidf42 10 months ago
Sparky at his best!
mourdac Premium Member 10 months ago
Wonderful strip, Mr. Schultz at his best.
jrankin1959 10 months ago
He couldn’t hear. Of all people. Not a thing. And because Beethoven couldn’t hear, the thought of him conducting, let alone composing, was pathetic to most people. And so to answer them, he composed and conducted the seventh symphony. Just try to imagine; Beethoven standing on that podium, holding his baton, his hands waving gracefully through the air. The orchestra in his mind is playing perfectly, and the orchestra in front of him, trying desperately just to keep up. There is a story, that in order to write his music, Beethoven literally sawed the legs off of his piano, so that the body would lay flat on the floor. And he would lie down next the piano with his ear pressed to the floor, and he would hit the keys with his fingers in order to hear his music through the vibrations of the floor. (Glenn Holland, “Mr. Holland’s Opus”)
Darryl Heine 10 months ago
How sad…
readfred 10 months ago
I’ve heard this story as it relates to the 9th symphony, which I consider (for what it’s worth) the greatest piece of music ever written.
MT Wallet 10 months ago
Over the weekend I saw Off the Mark for Sept. 8.
MY DOG IS MY CO PILOT 10 months ago
This is what happened at the premier of his 9th Symphony. * The contralto Caroline Unger walked over and gently turned Beethoven around to accept the audience’s cheers and applause. According to the critic for the Theater-Zeitung, “the public received the musical hero with the utmost respect and sympathy, listened to his wonderful, gigantic creations with the most absorbed attention and broke out in jubilant applause, often during sections, and repeatedly at the end of them.” The audience acclaimed him through standing ovations five times; there were handkerchiefs in the air, hats, and raised hands, so that Beethoven, who they knew could not hear the applause, could at least see the ovations.I must admit it brought a tear to my eye when I first read it too. *
I have always believed Beethoven to be one of the most altruistic people to have ever lived. He gave us the most beautiful music just like the magnificent 9th with it’s soul inspiring Ode to Joy and never heard it played and yet he kept composing so mankind would have his beautiful music forever. I’m listen to him now coincidentally enough. I have a wonderful arrangement of his Moonlight Sonata that just brings me pure bliss. I turn it on and I am swept away. God bless you wonderful Maestro and thank you. On behalf of a troubled world, Thankyou. ♥
raybarb44 10 months ago
I just joined that club too……
oakie817 10 months ago
aw
Laurie Stoker Premium Member 10 months ago
And this is my other favorite strip, along with the one two days ago where Schroeder wearing his overcoat because the music gave him the chills. As a little girl taking piano lessons back in the 60’s, I enjoyed Beethoven, too. I love Schroeder so much!❤️
Shikamoo Premium Member 10 months ago
Brings tears to my eyes.