Symphonies nos. 7 & 8

1812 was a difficult year for Beethoven. His general health and his hearing in particular were steadily declining. Throughout his life he had been unlucky in love; none of his relationships had lasted very long. At the beginning of July in that year Beethoven wrote his three famous letters to his “Immortal Beloved”. Beethoven biographers such as Solomon Maynard and Lewis Lockwood have concluded that these letters were very likely addressed to Antonie Brentano. There is still no real proof as to who his mysterious beloved was. But it is certain that Beethoven loved this woman, whoever she was, from the depths of his soul. The words in his letters are heartfelt and moving. But a truly long-lasting relationship with a woman was not possible in his life. He reached this conclusion himself and became more and more convinced of it. A relationship could not fit in with his way of life, his unpredictable nature and his devotion to his music. Because Beethoven was his work, he was his music.