Beethoven's Hair

Beethoven, the great composer, was ill for much of his adult life. He was also totally deaf when he created some of his best work.

Before he died, he wrote a letter to his brothers, begging them to find out why he had been in such poor health. That letter is referred to as the Heiligenstadt Testament.

Locks of the maestro’s hair, snipped from his head at the time of his death, have provided the answer Beethoven sought for so long. He had lead poisoning!