Beethoven’s Lead

Beethoven’s deafness & ailments were likely caused by lead →

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/06/health/beethoven-deaf-lead-hair.html

I love that science can detect this after so many years (and that scientists are still trying to learn more about Beethoven’s issues & death). The article also gives lots of good little info nuggets about his 9th Symphony, including:

“He set the poem to music in the Ninth, sung by soloists and a chorus — considered the first instance of singing in a symphony.”

I feel like the 9th is one of those things I’ve had somewhat of a connection to my whole life. I distinctly remember my Dad whistling it in the car. I also whistle a lot (without thinking), and one of the most common things I whistle is the 9th. I once started a book that was purely about the 9th, but quickly gave it up. It was just a tad too boring, so I appreciate when articles like this can feed me interesting info in bite-sized servings.

H/T to https://www.threads.net/@davepell for the article & link share via his most excellent https://nextdraft.com/ newsletter