Beethoven Was Almost Completely Deaf When He Composed His Ninth Symphony

One of the most remarkable achievements in musical history: Ludwig van Beethoven composed his iconic Ninth Symphony — including the transcendent 'Ode to Joy' — while almost completely deaf. By 1820, he could hear almost nothing at all, yet he began sketching the Ninth Symphony. It was completed and premiered in 1824.

At the premiere, Beethoven stood on stage to conduct (or attempted to) while the actual conductor led the orchestra. When the final movement ended to thunderous applause, Beethoven didn't hear a thing. A soloist had to turn him around so he could see the audience's standing ovation. He reportedly wept. The Ninth Symphony has since become the European Union's anthem.