Heiligenstadt Testament

In 1802, when Ludwig van Beethoven was still a young man in his thirties, he composed a deeply moving and personal letter that provides a special insight into his innermost feelings and desires. In this emotional letter, he addressed his siblings Johann and Carl and expressed his explicit wish for the exact circumstances and illnesses that had plagued him in his life to be made known to the public after his death.

This was no ordinary letter but rather a kind of legacy that captured his deepest wish for posterity. Historians who have analyzed the content and context of this writing refer to this significant note as the "Heiligenstadt Testament." It stands as a testament to Beethoven's inner struggles, his passion for music, and his desire for understanding in the world.

"The world may reconcile with me"

The document bears the name of the city of Heiligenstadt, where Beethoven had retreated to recover on the recommendation of Johann Adam Schmidt. In his native language, German, the composer wrote

As soon as I am dead, if Dr. Schmidt is still alive, ask him in my name to describe my illness and attach this document to the history of my illness, so that the world may reconcile with me as much as possible after my death."

A Puzzle

Ludwig van Beethoven's wish to inform the world about his health issues proved to be more complex and challenging than the famous composer might have imagined. Over the years and decades, his illnesses have been the subject of much speculation and debate.

As renowned geneticist Axel Schmidt from the University Hospital Bonn highlighted to AP News, Beethoven's health condition often had a direct impact on his creative work, sometimes even severely limiting it. For many doctors and experts, deciphering the precise causes and connections of his illnesses has always been a mystery and a real challenge. It was as if a veil of enigma shrouded the true circumstances of his suffering.

Advanced Technology

But now, almost two centuries after Beethoven's death, medical technology has made such enormous progress that it may provide us with real insights into Beethoven's health problems.

To put it simply, scientists have been able to analyze his DNA. And where did they get this DNA? Actually, from the strands of hair that were collected after his death.

Music and Science

Tristan Begg isn't just any person in academia; he is a passionate researcher at the forefront of DNA work. While pursuing his PhD in Biological Anthropology at the renowned University of Cambridge, he tirelessly invests his time and energy into this demanding scientific endeavor.

Despite the intensity and dedication required for such academic work, Tristan has not lost touch with his other interests. In fact, he remains true to his passions, and one of them is music. This young researcher combines science and art in an remarkable way, being both a dedicated anthropologist and a great music lover.

Igniting an Obsession

Begg grew up with various genres of music, but he distinctly remembers the moment he discovered Beethoven at the age of 17. He heard the Moonlight Sonata and was immediately captivated. In March 2023, he told NPR

"It really hit me. It was the first 'dun dun dun'. When I heard that... I had to restrain myself from crying. It ignited this obsession both with the music and with the man himself."

Interests Overlap

Tristan Begg's fascination with music led to a profound obsession that went beyond mere art and drew him into the world of science. As a passionate student deeply engaged in genetics, he pursued a deeper purpose. He wanted to decipher the core of Beethoven's health issues.

Begg questioned whether there could be specific genetic factors behind the famous composer's medical challenges. Could such genetic aspects, for example, be the cause of Beethoven's tragic hearing loss or his agonizing recurrent digestive problems? With this question in mind, he delved deeper into his scientific investigations.