Nicholas J. Yasillo wrote:

>The speculation of what Beethoven may have, or may have not written
>if he had not been affected by his deafness and constant severe
>gastrointestinal problems is a debate that will undoubtedly survive well
>beyond the life of this list.  Did Beethoven's tormented life create the
>genius?  Would he have been a mediocre composer if he had perfect health
>and a loving wife?  The debate goes on!

Before getting depressed over what Beethoven MIGHT have composed but
didn't live to accomplish, just what was the life expectancy of a man
born in Europe in 1770?  J.  S.  Bach made it to 65 of course as we all
know.  Beethoven apparently didn't take care of himself, and according
to George Marek's biography, he made the error of taking an open-coach
ride in December of 1826 that resulted in a severe cold that weakened
him and set him up for his final sickness.  Earlier this year, in an
appearance of a series called "What Makes It Great" at Boston's Jordan
Hall, Robert Kapilow gave a performance-lecture of Beethoven's last
string quartet, the 16th.  He mentioned that Beethoven was not in ill
health at that time, and had plans for several compositions, including
an opera!  (Perhaps after his experiences with "Leonore/Fidelio" he was
never ever going to compose another opera even if he lived as long as
Sibelius).  So it may be logical to assume that with more moderate habits,
and no bouts with pneumonia, LvB MIGHT have been able to eke out just a
few more years...enough for one or two mighty masterpieces like the
"Missa Solemnis", Ninth Symphony (remember his pattern was heavy-light
so a Tenth Symphony might have mirrored the Eighth), or "Hammerklavier"
Sonata.  He didn't work as rapidly as Mozart, so I wouldn't assume many
future works of this sort, but just ONE would have benefited civilization
greatly.

Laurence Glavin
Methuen, MA