Diagnosing genius : the life and death of Beethoven / François Martin Mai.

Author/creator Mai, François Martin
Format Book
Publication InfoMontreal : McGill-Queen's University Press, ©2007.
Descriptionxviii, 270 pages : illustrations, facsimiles, portraits ; 24 cm
Subjects

Contents Foreword / Anton Kuerti -- Preface -- Setting -- Beethoven's life -- Beethoven's health problems -- Interpretation -- Illness and creativity -- Appendices -- Glossary of medical terms -- Beethoven's medical history -- Criteria for alcohol dependence and abuse -- Dr Andreas Wawruch's medical report.
Abstract Beethoven's extraordinary ability to compose great music despite severe health problems, including deafness and depression, has puzzled and inspired. The author looks at the relationship between Beethoven's health and creativity to show how the composer was able to transcend physical and emotional torment to produce some of the most powerful and beautiful music in Western culture.
General noteForeword by Anton Kuerti.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN9780773531901
ISBN0773531904