Beethoven and his illnesses

A life-long fight

The famous composer comes to Baden for the first time in 1803, seeking relief from his many physical afflictions. He suffers from the most diverse illnesses and ailments. An installation in the Beethoven House provides exact information about them.

From 1800 Beethoven is plagued by hemorrhoids, which is added to by chronic stomach disease in 1809. By 1818 he is already deaf in his right ear, with only residual hearing in his left. In 1821 liver disease, jaundice and rheumatism follow. Beethoven’s above-average alcohol intake make the situation worse.

Baden’s sulphuric springs, which he visits regularly to take healing baths and drink the water, provide only temporary relief. And so Beethoven seeks distraction. Not only through work but socially too.

After all, Baden is the Emperor’s summer residence and a fashionable spa town. Nobles, the wealthy middle classes and artists are romping about here. Beethoven meets with friends, colleagues and potential commissioners, as he is dependent on the financial support of his patrons.

As much as the state of his health allows, Beethoven goes on long walks through Baden’s environs. On one occasion, according to an anecdote, the composer forgets himself while wandering along a canal before finding himself again at dusk in Wiener Neustadt, 30km away.

Dressed in an old coat and without a hat, he is taken for a beggar and ends up in prison. The town music director finally identifies him, whereupon the mayor of Wiener Neustadt offers an official apology and has the composer brought back to Baden.

Image: Letter from Beethoven to Archduke Rudolph, 1823 Beethovenhaus, Baden © Gerhard Sindelar, beyondarts