The Beethoven Files

Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the biggest composers of all times – and wasn't able to hear a thing for most of his career. In 1801, at the age of 31, Beethoven has to admit to himself that he is becoming deaf, the chances of a recovery are slim. Seven years later, he composes his famous 5th symphony, other masterpieces follow. A deaf composer? How is that possible?
"The Beethoven Files" explores this question and sheds light on the moving life and work of the outstanding composer. At his death, Beethoven leaves behind two documents: The "Heiligenstädter Testament", a farewell letter which Beethoven wrote in 1801 – 26 years before his actual death. In it, he describes the excruciating symptoms of his disease in great detail. He begs for forgiveness for his uncontrolled behaviour, requesting future generations to find out the cause for his disease.
The second document the doctors find in his death room is a letter addressed to an "immortal beloved". Beethoven carried this love letter with him until his dying day – and never sent it away. Until today, it remains a mystery who the immortal beloved could be.
Searching for clues, "The Beethoven Files" investigates Beethoven´s heritage anew. The biographer Jan Caeyers gives an insight into Beethoven's mania-like work rage – his reaction to the onset of his deafness. The Viennese forensic scientist and university professor Dr. Christian Reiter examines a curl of Beethoven´s hair, searching for indications that point to the cause of his death and disease. Further experts are the conductor Simone Young and the pianist Lars Vogt.
In elaborately staged acting scenes, we discover Beethoven as a private person. Lars Eidinger slips into the role of the young composer, Pheline Roggan becomes the "immortal beloved"; together they let their secret love come to life again. High-quality animations illustrate the medical file and the painful procedures Beethoven put himself through, always hoping to be miraculously healed.
The film "The Beethoven Files" is one episode of the 3-part TV-series "The Culture Files" which will be broadcasted in October 2013 on ARTE. This novel TV-format tells European cultural history in the style of a crime-scene-investigation series. The vivid pace and investigative story line is designed to engage a younger audience with some of Europe´s greatest cultural icons. In addition to the TV-series, a graphic novel (Knesebeck Publishing House) and an App for tablet computers will published. (official distributor synopsis)