What was the Heiligenstadt Testament?

When was it written?

When was it discovered?

a) A letter to Beethoven's brother; written in 1817; discovered in 1827.

b) A will outlining Beethoven's estate; written in 1826; discovered in 1827.

c) A document revealing Beethoven's despair over his increasing deafness; written in 1802; discovered in 1812.

d) A musical composition by Beethoven; written in 1809; discovered in 1820.

Final answer: The Heiligenstadt Testament, written by Beethoven in 1802, was a letter expressing his despair over his increasing deafness. It was discovered after his death in 1827.

Explanation:

The correct answer is option c) which makes reference to the Heiligenstadt Testament. The Heiligenstadt Testament was a letter written by Ludwig van Beethoven to his brothers Carl and Johann, which he never ended up sending. This document is significant because it unveils Beethoven's despair over his increasing deafness and his deep passion to overcome his physical and emotional adversity through music. It was not a will, nor a musical composition. It was written in 1802 while Beethoven was staying in Heiligenstadt, a village on the outskirts of Vienna. The testament was discovered amongst Beethoven's personal documents and brought to public attention in 1827, following his death.