nd soon became very popular in Vienna. Some were pleased with his performances, but others were embarrassed by his arrogance and bad manners. (Sally Patton-pg.73-74) In the late 1790s, Beethoven discovered an increasing buzzing and humming in his ears and it sent him into panic, searching for a cure. In 1802, he wrote a letter to his brother describing his anguish. He asked his brother to read the letter at the funeral. His suffering had a brief respite when he soon fell in love with a young countess, and dedicated a song to her called Moonlight Sonata. Even after this, she did not marry Beethoven. (Sally Patton-pg.75) By October 1802, he had written the Heiligenstadt Testament confessing his deafness, and suicidal considerations. (Internet-pg.5) By about 1800, Beethoven was mastering the Viennese High-Classic style. Although Mozart had first perfected the style, Beethoven did extend it to some degree. Having displayed a wide range of his piano writing, he was also beginning to forge a new voice for the violin. (Internet-pg.8) Beethovens deafness landed him into a major cycle of depression. In his Testament, he reveals his malaise that was sending him to the edge of despair. He speaks of suicide in the same breath as a reluctance to die. Having searched vainly for a cure, he seems to have lost all hope. For example, it was written-As the leaves of Autumn fall and are withered-so likewise has my hope been blighted-I leave here-almost as I came-even the high courage-which often inspired me in the beautiful days of summer-has disappeared. (Internet-pg.9) There is somewhat of a parallel between Beethovens personal and professional life. He is at a dead end on both cases and there seems to be no more than he can do with the High-Classic style. (Internet-pg.13) It seems undeniable that the Heilinginstadt Testament in which Beethoven came to terms with and put to rest the incurable tragedy of his deafness, also set forth a determination to pro...
