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Beethoven’s skull fragments return to Vienna

Skull fragments, presumed to be from composer Ludwig van Beethoven, have returned to Vienna, where the legendary 19th century German composer was buried, experts said Thursday.

Skull fragments, presumed to be of Ludwig van Beethoven are on display at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria on July 20th, 2023.
Skull fragments, presumed to be of Ludwig van Beethoven are on display at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria on July 20th, 2023. Photo: Eva Manhart / APA / AFP

US businessman Paul Kaufmann donated the fragments, which he inherited, to the Medical University of Vienna where researchers will probe the illnesses suffered by the impresario and his cause of death.

“This is where the bones belong, back in Vienna,” Kaufmann told reporters.

Austrian coroner Christian Reiter said the 10 fragments, including two bigger pieces, one from the back of the head and one from the right side of the forehead, had “great value”.

“We have received really valuable material here, with which we hope to continue to research in the next years. That was Beethoven’s wish too,” Reiter said.

The composer battled illness throughout his life and explicitly asked for his body to be studied, Reiter added.

Beethoven, whose piano, chamber and symphonic works are among the greatest of Western classical music, died at 56 in 1827 after years of struggling with unknown ailments, including increasing deafness in his later years.

READ ALSO: Falco to Schwarzenegger: Six Austrian cultural icons that you need to know

The fragments are believed to be the only surviving fragments of Beethoven’s skull, Reiter added.

Kaufmann – whose Jewish ancestors fled the Nazis – said he found the fragments in a small box with “Beethoven” scratched on it in a family safety deposit box in a French bank in 1990.

Kaufmann’s great-great uncle, Austrian doctor Franz Romeo Seligmann, is presumed to have acquired them in 1863 during the exhumation of Beethoven’s body.

Kaufmann said the fragments would now be analysed further to confirm that they belong to the late composer, who died in Vienna.

 Cause of death a mystery

The available evidence suggests that they are authentic.

In 2005, a group of US scientists announced that tests on hair of Beethoven and the skull fragments showed he died from lead poisoning, which may have also been responsible for his hearing loss.

Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois said the bone fragments, tested at the country’s most powerful X-ray facility, had high concentrations of lead, matching earlier findings of lead in his hair.

The source of the lead is unknown, but they said it may have come from a wine goblet made with the metal.

Alternatively, some medical treatments in the 18th and 19th centuries made use of heavy metals like lead and mercury.

Beethoven suffered abdominal pains in his 20s which became progressively worse, and the composer saw a large number of physicians in search of a cure.

In March, researchers who sequenced Beethoven’s genome using authenticated hair samples said liver failure, or cirrhosis, was likely behind his death brought about by a number of factors, including alcohol consumption.

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8 exciting events taking place in Vienna in July 2024

July is a lively month in Vienna, and you can enjoy a great variety of different events. From Vienna's film festival at Rathausplatz to international music and a climate festival, here's what you can visit this month.

8 exciting events taking place in Vienna in July 2024

July is one of Vienna’s liveliest months, with different events taking place all over the city.

Here, we list eight interesting happenings you should not miss out on.

Filmfestival Rathausplatz

This film and cultural festival will be held at Vienna’s town hall (Rathausplatz) from June 29th to September 1st.

Here, you can enjoy outdoor screenings that offer something for everyone. The program includes classic movies, recent blockbusters, documentaries, and opera and ballet performances.

In addition to the screenings, the festival also offers live bands, performances, DJs, and food and drink stalls.

The festival is free of charge, and you can check out the program here

 
 
 
 
 
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Vienna Popfest

This annual four-day-long pop music festival takes place at Karlsplatz, this year from July 25th to 28th.

The event celebrates contemporary pop music with performances by upcoming and established artists from Austria and beyond. 

You can enjoy a diverse range of musical styles, including indie pop, electronic, and experimental music. 

The festival is free of charge, and you can find out more about it here.

ImPulsTanz – Vienna International Dance Festival

ImPulsTanz is one of the largest contemporary dance festivals in the world. It takes place in Vienna every year, and this summer, you can enjoy it from July 11th to August 11th.

One of the highlights of ImPulsTanz is its extensive workshop program, which gives dancers of all levels the opportunity to train and learn from world-class instructors.

In addition to the workshops, the festival also offers dance performances, lectures, exhibitions, and discussion panels with famous dancers and choreographers.

Secure your ticket and read more on their website.

 
 
 
 
 
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Brazilian music with Djavan

On July 16th, Djavan, a Brazilian four-time Latin Grammy winner, singer-songwriter, and composer, will perform at Vienna Konzerthaus.

Djavan’s performances are inspired by Brazilian music traditions, and he mixes elements of Samba, Bossa Nova, and MPB (popular Brazilian Music).

Djavan is known as an icon in the Brazilian music scene. He is famous for his distinctive voice, unique style, and energetic live performances.

You can buy your tickets here

READ MORE: Train travel in Austria: The best day trips from Vienna

Theater im Park

From June 25th until September 20th, you can enjoy the cultural festival Theater im Park.

You can experience various cultural performances, including cabarets, theatre plays, music performances, and concerts.

The festival takes place in the Belvedere Gardens in Vienna, where you can enjoy the historical Belvedere Castle and its large, beautiful gardens.

You can check out the different performances and buy your tickets here.

 
 
 
 
 
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Exhibition: Proud to be pride

The exhibition ‘Proud to be Pride’ highlights LGBTQIA+ rights and takes place at the Museum of Applied Arts until September 1st.

Here, you can experience a wide collection of LGBTQIA+ posters with bold designs that support diverse expressions of identity.

The exhibition aims to send a visible signal of acceptance, tolerance, and openness. 

Find out more and buy your tickets here.

Kultur Sommer Wien

This is an open-air cultural festival with free admission in Vienna.

The Vienna Symphony Orchestra opens the festival on June 27th and 28th in Prater, and the events take place until August 11th.

During the festival, nine pop-up stages across the city will host various performances, including cabaret, literature, music, dance, theatre, and contemporary circus.

Find out more here.

 
 
 
 
 
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Klima Biennale Wien

Enjoy the last weeks of this climate festival which goes on until July 14th at various locations all over Vienna.

The festival explores how art, design, architecture, and science can contribute to creating a sustainable and liveable future while also considering the impacts of climate change.

The festival offers a wide range of performances, exhibitions, talks, concerts, and workshops.

If you want to participate, you can buy a festival pass at various locations, for which you pay as much as you like. You can, for example, buy it at the Museum Hundertwasser.

READ ALSO: 8 Austrian festivals you need to go to this summer

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