Beethoven's Fifth: Genius or arrhythmia?

Ludwig van Beethoven  (1820 Portrait)

Here's a theory to ponder:  As Beethoven went deaf, perhaps the beating of his own heart became more and more perceptible. 

Here a question to ponder:  Could the unique movements of Beethoven’s heart (some say he suffered from cardiac arrhythmia) have therefore unduly influenced his greatest compositions?

Health Day News reports that “cardiac arrhythmia causes the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.”  Sound familiar?  Da, da, da, daaaaaaaaaaaa!

Dr. Joel Howell of the University of Michigan Medical School believes that “the synergy between our minds and our bodies shapes how we experience the world.”  Artists and composers may be especially in tune with their “innermost experiences.”

Dr. Zachary Goldberger of the University of Washington School of Medicine intimated that some of Beethoven’s works may be viewed as “musical electrocardiograms.”

Resources

http://www.healthbanks.com/PatientPortal/MyPractice.aspx?UAID={3832435F-CB0D-493C-AEB1-E9AF6161A975}&TabID={X}&ArticleID=695283

Copyright February 4, 2015 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved