BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Sunday, October 13, 1822 (very approximately)

While staying at the Magdalenenhof, Beethoven begins the first serious work on his Ninth Symphony. There had been some stray sketches here and there previously, but this seems to be where the composition begins in earnest. In addition, Ludwig starts polishing the Diabelli Variations about now, though the dating of that work is less certain. Clearly Beethoven’s health is improving, possibly related to the treatments at the baths. The last year and a half have been largely disastrous from a health standpoint. But while he continues to complain about his medical condition from now on, he does not appear to be so badly disabled by his illnesses again for any lengthy period of time until he is on his deathbed.