Deaf Beethoven, 'Devil' Paganini: Two Genius Musicians Shine on Stage in New Musicals

Seoul's theaters are currently showcasing two new musicals that delve into the lives of legendary composers: "Beethoven" and "Paganini." Both productions explore the profound struggles and extraordinary talents of these artists, offering distinct yet compelling narratives.

The musical "Beethoven," which opened at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, centers on Ludwig van Beethoven's journey as he grapples with progressive hearing loss. Despite his despair, Beethoven strives to complete his monumental Ninth Symphony, "Choral." The production highlights his internal world, featuring characters like his soulmate Antonie Brentano, who inspires his music, and his conflicted brother Kaspar. This season, the musical has shifted its focus from romance to Beethoven's artistic torment and his path to completing the Ninth Symphony.

Meanwhile, "Paganini," now in its third season at the Hongik University Art Center, examines the life of the virtuoso violinist Niccolò Paganini. Dubbed the "devil's violinist" for his seemingly superhuman skill, Paganini was surrounded by rumors and accusations. The musical adopts a legal thriller format, with Paganini's son Achilles pursuing a lawsuit for his father's peace. The narrative unravels through testimonies and the investigation into the "devil" rumors and religious suspicions surrounding the violinist, exploring how prejudice and gossip impacted his life and legacy.

While "Beethoven" offers a grander scale with musical numbers incorporating familiar melodies like "Moonlight Sonata" and "Für Elise," "Paganini" focuses on speed and immediacy. The latter's structure, following Achilles' legal battle rather than a strict chronology, creates a sense of mystery. A key element of "Paganini" is the live musical performance by the actor playing the titular role, who is also a violinist. This allows the audience to viscerally understand the "demonic" quality attributed to his talent.

Despite their different approaches, "Beethoven" emphasizing artistic triumph over adversity and "Paganini" dissecting the impact of societal judgment, both musicals arrive at a similar conclusion: that classical music is a record of human experience, with artists leaving behind their unique voices after enduring immense suffering.