Information about the Beethoven Skull Fragments on the Beethoven Center's Website

On November 17, 2005, the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies announced that two fragments of Beethoven's skull had been located in California and are on long-term loan to the Center.

The history of the skull fragments is extensively discussed in the 2005 double issue of The Beethoven Journal (see below for ordering information). The first essay in the journal (William Meredith's "The History of Beethoven's Skull Fragments") is available on the web in a version with limited photographs. Additionally, we have compiled an abbreviated fact sheet on the fragments. We have also mounted several photographs of the fragments and their history.

Mitochondrial DNA results from the testing of the hair and preliminary results from the testing of the bone are also posted on the website.

For information about the beginning of Beethoven's abdominal problems as referenced in his letters, see the letters included here.

A list of contents of the double issue of the journal is available here. This issue may be purchased for $30. Shipping charges of $5 for the United States and $10 for foreign mail should be added. To order copies, please mail a check to:

Beethoven Center, SJSU, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0171

People who wish to order with a credit card should fax a letter to the Center at: 408-808-2060