Have you ever wondered why Beethoven’s ninth and final symphony prompts such a joyful response? Two recent films have been made that depict Beethoven’s creation of the Ninth Symphony, entitled Ode to Joy, as well as the characterization of the composer. While both films expose his life of extraordinary musical proclivity, and exasperating psychotic episodes ostensibly caused by deafness, these films diverge in their portrayal of Beethoven's astonishing levels of anxiety. Was it brought about by infirmity, or a mysterious relationship that frustrated him with unrequited love?

 

          At the center of Director Bernard Rose's film: Immortal Beloved, there is speculation that Johanna van Beethoven is believed to be the object of Beethoven's mysterious love letters, found in his apartment upon death. Yet, there's little evidence that Johanna, Beethoven's much despised sister-in-law, was the object of the letters. However, there were several other possibilities that illuminate a host of tangled, strained, and culturally impossible relationships, within the milieu of Beethoven’s 19th century Vienna. In contrast, and at the center of Director Agnieszka Holland's film: Copying Beethoven, she exposes the maestro's focus on creating Ode to Joy, all the while living feebly in his apartment in unbearable isolation. Overall, this film centers on his daily life: disheveled, displaying constant fits of anger, and battling hearing loss; unthinkable for a composer. In this film, even basic hygiene is forfeited in his relentless pursuit to complete his music. This film also portrays touching moments where, for example, Beethoven amusingly acknowledges his creator: “God whispers in most men's ears," Beethoven says. "He shouts in mine."

 

          While it has been said that the "creative power of his compositions broke the mold for classical music forever," this subject examines the facts regarding Beethoven's life, which center on health problems that produced profound hearing loss, multiple family battles, and frustration caused by cultural restrictions that bruised and barred him from functioning in the very society that revered him. Yet, while Beethoven's struggles can be viewed as ostensibly purposeful in the creation of his musical art, one reason the Ninth Symphony seems extraordinary to us concerns his confidence that “the joy of humanity and the beauty of heaven” is intended “to be lived on earth,” and “not an attempt to transcend it.” Overall, this subject reveals Beethoven’s life and mindset through his creation of Ninth Symphony, and clearly illustrates that an occupational triumph over the human condition is possible. This subject will make us ask ourselves, “What is a human life really about?”