Aaron Rabushka <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>I've also heard that some of Bach's visual problems came from
>his hand-copying The FitzWilliam (cap?) Virginal Book by moonlight.

My understanding is that both Bach's and Handel's blindness was partially
the result of years of eye strain.  I believe this was a fairly common
occurance with composers (and copyists, writers, etc.) who managed to reach
advanced years.  Delius managed to figure out a system for dictating his
music to an assistant after he went blind.

Bob Lyman  ([log in to unmask])
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Workshop/7610/
http://www.artists-in-residence.com/users/radiance/