Crossword Genius

How Beethoven finished a set of four notes (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deaf

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'set of four notes' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'how beethoven finished a' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'def' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for deaf that I've seen before include "Not prepared to listen" , "Audibly challenged" , "Aurally challenged" , "Deprived of the sense of hearing" , "Receiving no sound" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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