THE LATE PERIOD

VIENNA 1817 (Age 46)

CRISIS IN CREATIVITY

FAMILY - SOCIAL ISSUES: It is likely not a simple coincidence that Beethoven's creative output declined between the years 1815 and 1817, given his legal struggles over Karl and his struggles to provide proper care of the boy. In addition, Beethoven suffered from a protracted illness that began in October 1816, along with his near total deafness.

There was a significant drop in Beethoven's work between 1815 and 1817 during which time he suffered from prolonged illnesses and from the emotional burden of failed romances and from caring for his ill brother Carl who finally died November 15, 1815 of tuberculosis, and his belief that Carl's wife Johanna was an unfit mother to his nine-year-old nephew Karl. Before his death, Carl established Beethoven and Johanna as joint guardians of the boy, which Beethoven fought vigorously in court. This battle extended through 1820 and caused a great deal of financially and emotional stress to all parties involved. The many court appearances eventually led to the determination (December 18, 1818) that Beethoven was, in fact, a commoner - leading to further stress for him. Through those years, Beethoven was quite severe with Karl, and the boy became increasingly unhappy - eventually leading to a suicide attempt 7/31/1826. Karl survived and eventually joined the army - escaping the traumatic life surrounding the custody battles and Beethoven's demands on him.

"As a young man Beethoven was indeed both proud and self-sufficient,and it was only the experience of his deafness that broke this pride, slowly and painfully turning the heaven-storming, largely extrovert composer of the early and middle period works into the self-communicating and contemplative visionary of the last ten years." [L. Dec p115]

image from 1817