Beethoven's Hair

Beethoven's Hair
by Russell Martin [Music 780.92 Beethoven]

This was a extremely fascinating read. After Ludwig van Beethoven died, several composers and friends clipped lockets of hair as a keepsake. One of these was student and friend Ferdinand Hiller; the locket of hair stayed in the Hiller family, passed down to his son Paul, but then disappeared at some point in World War II - resurfacing to a family in Denmark, where it was passed down to an adopted daughter who later auctioned it off. In the 1990s the locket was sold to two Americans Alfredo Guevara, Jr. and Ira Brilliant, two Beethoven enthusiasts. However, two questions remain: How did the locket end up in Denmark? And what was Ludwig van Beethoven's ultimate cause of death? A historical odyssey mixed with recent scientific testing reveals some startling clues about Beethoven's health, his life, and his destiny for greatness. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Beethoven: Biography of a Genius by George Marek.] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in downloadable E-book format.]

[ official Beethoven's Hair web site ] | [ official Russell Martin web site ]

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