I have just finished reading M.  Solomon's biography on Beethoven and he
mentioned that Archduke Rudolph promised a Kapellmeister position after
becoming Cardinal/Archbishop.  However, Beethoven never received the
appointment and the Archduke led Beethoven for quite a few years that
he would receive that appointment..  Solomon has no explanation why the
position never materialized..  Does anyone on the list know or have heard
theories? Sad to say even the Emperor Franz never gave Beethoven any title
or position even when Beethoven actively seeked one later.  The Hapsburgs
seemed to had a pretty poor record of their support of their most
illustrious composers.

What was the cause of Beethoven's deafness? He seemed to have liver issues
when he died...but Solomon offers no medical explanations for the cause of
death or even the deafness. Anyone care to explain more? Thanks

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