2-720-424 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Taking his hand, turned him round to the audience', (1907). During a performance of Beethoven's "Choral Symphony", the composer, old and deaf, 'was standing on the platform with his back to the audience, intently following the music. As the concluding chords died away the whole house broke out into enthusiastic applause...but Beethoven stood motionless, unmoved - a pathetic figure...however, the storm of cheers broke out afresh, for a young singer, named Caroline Unger...went up to the unconscious composer, and, taking his hand, turned him round to the audience. As the glance of the deaf man lighted upon the sea of upturned faces, and he witnessed the emotion which his work had aroused, he was deeply moved.' An episode from the life of German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). From "Story-Lives of Great Musicians", by F.J. Rowbotham. [Wells Gardner, Darton & Co. Ltd, London, 1907]