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diff --git a/13065-0.txt b/13065-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fea24f6 --- /dev/null +++ b/13065-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7577 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13065 *** + +BEETHOVEN'S LETTERS. + +(1790-1826.) + +FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR. LUDWIG NOHL. + + +ALSO HIS + +LETTERS TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH, CARDINAL-ARCHBISHOP +OF OLMÜTZ, K.W., FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR. +LUDWIG RITTER VON KÖCHEL. + + +TRANSLATED BY +LADY WALLACE. + + +_WITH A PORTRAIT AND FAC-SIMILE._ + + +IN TWO VOLUMES. + +VOL. I. + + +BOSTON: + +OLIVER DITSON & CO., 277 WASHINGTON STREET. + +NEW YORK: C.H. DITSON & CO. + + + + +TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. + + +Since undertaking the translation of Dr. Ludwig Nohl's valuable edition of +"Beethoven's Letters," an additional collection has been published by Dr. +Ludwig Ritter von Köchel, consisting of many interesting letters addressed +by Beethoven to his illustrious pupil, H.R.H. the Archduke Rudolph, +Cardinal-Archbishop of Olmütz. These I have inserted in chronological +order, and marked with the letter K., in order to distinguish them from the +correspondence edited by Dr. Nohl. I have only omitted a few brief notes, +consisting merely of apologies for non-attendance on the Archduke. + +The artistic value of these newly discovered treasures will no doubt be as +highly appreciated in this country as in the great _maestro's_ Father-land. + +I must also express my gratitude to Dr. Th.G. v. Karajan, for permitting an +engraving to be made expressly for this work, from an original Beethoven +portrait in his possession, now for the first time given to the public. The +grand and thoughtful countenance forms a fitting introduction to letters so +truly depicting the brilliant, fitful genius of the sublime master, as well +as the touching sadness and gloom pervading his life, which his devotion to +Art alone brightened, through many bitter trials and harassing cares. + +The love of Beethoven's music is now become so universal in England, that I +make no doubt his Letters will receive a hearty welcome from all those +whose spirits have been elevated and soothed by the genius of this +illustrious man. + +GRACE WALLACE. + +AINDERBY HALL, March 28, 1866. + + + + +PREFACE + +BY DR. LUDWIG NOHL + +TO THE + +LETTERS OF LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +In accompanying the present edition of the Letters of Ludwig van Beethoven +with a few introductory remarks, I at once acknowledge that the compilation +of these letters has cost me no slight sacrifices. I must also, however, +mention that an unexpected Christmas donation, generously bestowed on me +with a view to further my efforts to promote the science of music, enabled +me to undertake one of the journeys necessary for my purpose, and also to +complete the revision of the Letters and of the press, in the milder air +and repose of a country residence, long since recommended to me for the +restoration of my health, undermined by overwork. + +That, in spite of every effort, I have not succeeded in seeing the original +of each letter, or even discovering the place where it exists, may well be +excused, taking into consideration the slender capabilities of an +individual, and the astonishing manner in which Beethoven's Letters are +dispersed all over the world. At the same time, I must state that not only +have the hitherto inaccessible treasures of Anton Schindler's "Beethoven's +Nachlass" been placed at my disposal, but also other letters from private +sources, owing to various happy chances, and the kindness and complaisance +of collectors of autographs. I know better, however, than most +people--being in a position to do so--that in the present work there can be +no pretension to any thing approaching to a complete collection of +Beethoven's Letters. The master, so fond of writing, though he often rather +amusingly accuses himself of being a lazy correspondent, may very probably +have sent forth at least double the amount of the letters here given, and +there is no doubt whatever that a much larger number are still extant in +the originals. The only thing that can be done at this moment, however, is +to make the attempt to bring to light, at all events, the letters that +could be discovered in Germany. The mass of those which I gradually +accumulated, and now offer to the public (with the exception of some +insignificant notes), appeared to me sufficiently numerous and important to +interest the world, and also to form a substantial nucleus for any letters +that may hereafter be discovered. On the other hand, as many of Beethoven's +Letters slumber in foreign lands, especially in the unapproachable cabinets +of curiosities belonging to various close-fisted English collectors, an +entire edition of the correspondence could only be effected by a most +disproportionate outlay of time and expense. + +When revising the text of the Letters, it seemed to me needless perpetually +to impair the pleasure of the reader by retaining the mistakes in +orthography; but enough of the style of writing of that day is adhered to, +to prevent its peculiar charm being entirely destroyed. Distorted and +incorrect as Beethoven's mode of expression sometimes is, I have not +presumed to alter his grammar, or rather syntax, in the smallest degree: +who would presume to do so with an individuality which, even amid startling +clumsiness of style, displays those inherent intellectual powers that often +did violence to language as well as to his fellow-men? Cyclopean masses of +rock are here hurled with Cyclopean force; but hard and massive as they +are, the man is not to be envied whose heart is not touched by these +glowing fragments, flung apparently at random right and left, like meteors, +by a mighty intellectual being, however perverse the treatment language may +have received from him. + +The great peculiarity, however, in this strange mode of expression is, that +even such incongruous language faithfully reflects the mind of the man +whose nature was of prophetic depth and heroic force; and who that knows +anything of the creative genius of a Beethoven can deny him these +attributes? + +The antique dignity pervading the whole man, the ethical contemplation of +life forming the basis of his nature, prevented even a momentary wish on my +part to efface a single word of the oft-recurring expressions so painfully +harsh, bordering on the unaesthetic, and even on the repulsive, provoked by +his wrath against the meanness of men. In the last part of these genuine +documents, we learn with a feeling of sadness, and with almost a tragic +sensation, how low was the standard of moral worth, or rather how great was +the positive unworthiness, of the intimate society surrounding the master, +and with what difficulty he could maintain the purity of the nobler part of +his being in such an atmosphere. The manner, indeed, in which he strives to +do so, fluctuating between explosions of harshness and almost weak +yieldingness, while striving to master the base thoughts and conduct of +these men, though never entirely succeeding in doing so, is often more a +diverting than an offensive spectacle. In my opinion, nevertheless, even +this less pleasing aspect of the Letters ought not to be in the slightest +degree softened (which it has hitherto been, owing to false views of +propriety and morality), for it is no moral deformity here displayed. +Indeed, even when the irritable master has recourse to expressions +repugnant to our sense of conventionality, and which may well be called +harsh and rough, still the wrath that seizes on our hero is a just and +righteous wrath, and we disregard it, just as in Nature, whose grandeur +constantly elevates us above the inevitable stains of an earthly soil. The +coarseness and ill-breeding, which would claim toleration because this +great man now and then showed such feelings, must beware of doing so, being +certain to make shipwreck when coming in contact with the massive rock of +true morality on which, with all his faults and deficiencies, Beethoven's +being was surely grounded. Often, indeed, when absorbed in the +unsophisticated and genuine utterances of this great man, it seems as if +these peculiarities and strange asperities were the results of some +mysterious law of Nature, so that we are inclined to adopt the paradox by +which a wit once described the singular groundwork of our nature,--"The +faults of man are the night in which he rests from his virtues." + +Indeed, I think that the lofty morality of such natures is not fully +evident until we are obliged to confess with regret, that even the great +ones of the earth must pay their tribute to humanity, and really do pay it +(which is the distinction between them and base and petty characters), +without being ever entirely hurled from their pedestal of dignity and +virtue. The soul of that man cannot fail to be elevated, who can seize the +real spirit of the scattered pages that a happy chance has preserved for +us. If not fettered by petty feelings, he will quickly surmount the casual +obstacles and stumbling-blocks which the first perusal of these Letters may +seem to present, and quickly feel himself transported at a single stride +into a stream, where a strange roaring and rushing is heard, but above +which loftier tones resound with magic and exciting power. For a peculiar +life breathes in these lines; an under-current runs through their +apparently unconnected import, uniting them as with an electric chain, and +with firmer links than any mere coherence of subjects could have effected. +I experienced this myself, to the most remarkable degree, when I first made +the attempt to arrange, in accordance with their period and substance, the +hundreds of individual pages bearing neither date nor address, and I was +soon convinced that a connecting text (such as Mozart's Letters have, and +ought to have) would be here entirely superfluous, as even the best +biographical commentary would be very dry work, interrupting the electric +current of the whole, and thus destroying its peculiar effect. + +And now, what is this spirit which, for an intelligent mind, binds together +these scattered fragments into a whole, and what is its actual power? I +cannot tell; but I feel to this day just as I felt to the innermost depths +of my heart in the days of my youth when I first heard a symphony of +Beethoven's,--that a spirit breathes from it bearing us aloft with giant +power out of the oppressive atmosphere of sense, stirring to its inmost +recesses the heart of man, bringing him to the full consciousness of his +loftier being, and of the undying within him. And even more distinctly than +when a new world was thus disclosed to his youthful feelings is the _man_ +fully conscious that not only was this a new world to him, but a new world +of feeling in itself, revealing to the spirit phases of its own, which, +till Beethoven appeared, had never before been fathomed. Call it by what +name you will, when one of the great works of the sublime master is heard, +whether indicative of proud self-consciousness, freedom, spring, love, +storm, or battle, it grasps the soul with singular force, and enlarges the +laboring breast. Whether a man understands music or not, every one who has +a heart beating within his breast will feel with enchantment that here is +concentrated the utmost promised to us by the most imaginative of our +poets, in bright visions of happiness and freedom. Even the only great hero +of action, who in those memorable days is worthy to stand beside the great +master of harmony, having diffused among mankind new and priceless earthly +treasures, sinks in the scale when we compare these with the celestial +treasures of a purified and deeper feeling, and a more free, enlarged, and +sublime view of the world, struggling gradually and distinctly upwards out +of the mere frivolity of an art devoid of words to express itself, and +impressing its stamp on the spirit of the age. They convey, too, the +knowledge of this brightest victory of genuine German intellect to those +for whom the sweet Muse of Music is as a book with seven seals, and reveal, +likewise, a more profound sense of Beethoven's being to many who already, +through the sweet tones they have imbibed, enjoy some dawning conviction of +the master's grandeur, and who now more and more eagerly lend a listening +ear to the intellectual clearly worded strains so skilfully interwoven, +thus soon to arrive at the full and blissful comprehension of those grand +outpourings of the spirit, and finally to add another bright delight to the +enjoyment of those who already know and love Beethoven. All these may be +regarded as the objects I had in view when I undertook to edit his Letters, +which have also bestowed on myself the best recompense of my labors, in the +humble conviction that by this means I may have vividly reawakened in the +remembrance of many the mighty mission which our age is called on to +perform for the development of our race, even in the realm of +harmony,--more especially in our Father-land. + +LUDWIG NOHL. + +LA TOUR DE PERLZ--LAKE OF GENEVA, +March, 1865. + + + + +CONTENTS OF VOLUME I. + + +FIRST PART. + +LIFE'S JOYS AND SORROWS +1783-1816. + + + 1. To the Elector of Cologne, Frederick Maximilian. + 2. To Dr. Schade, Augsburg + 3. To the Elector Maximilian Francis + 4. To Eleonore von Breuning, Bonn + 5. To the Same + 6. To Herr Schenk + 7. To Dr. Wegeler, Vienna + 8. To the Same + 9. Lines written in the Album of L. von Breuning + 10. To Baron Zmeskall von Domanowecz + 11. Ukase to Zmeskall, Schuppanzigh, and Lichnowsky + 12. To Pastor Amenda, Courland + 13. To the Same + 14. To Wegeler + 15. To Countess Giulietta Guicciardi + 16. To Matthisson + 17. To Frau Frank, Vienna + 18. To Wegeler + 19. To Kapellmeister Hofmeister, Leipzig + 20. To the Same + 21. To the Same + 22. To the Same + 23. Dedication to Dr. Schmidt + 24. To Ferdinand Ries + 25. To Herr Hofmeister, Leipzig + 26. To Carl and Johann Beethoven + 27. Notice + 28. To Ferdinand Ries + 29. To Herr Hofmeister, Leipzig + 30. Caution + 31. To Ries + 32. To the Same + 33. To the Same + 34. To the Same + 35. To the Composer Leidesdorf, Vienna + 36. To Ries + 37. To the Same + 38. To the Same + 39. To Messrs. Artaria & Co. + 40. To Princess Liechtenstein + 41. To Herr Meyer + 42. Testimonial for C. Czerny + 43. To Herr Röckel + 44. To Herr Collin, Court Secretary and Poet + 45. To Herr Gleichenstein + 46. To the Directors of the Court Theatre + 47. To Count Franz von Oppersdorf + 48. Notice of a Memorial to the Archduke Rudolph, Prince Kinsky, + and Prince Lobkowitz + 49. Memorial to the Same + 50. To Zmeskall + 51. To Ferdinand Ries + 52. To Zmeskall + 53. To the Same + 54. To the Same + 55. To the Same + 56. To the Same + 57. To the Same + 58. To the Same + 59. To Freiherr von Hammer-Purgstall + 60. To the Same + 61. To Baroness von Drossdick + 62. To Mdlle. de Gerardi + 63. To Zmeskall + 64. To Wegeler + 65. To Zmeskall + 66. To Bettina Brentano + 67. To the Same + 68. To Zmeskall + 69. To the Same + 70. To the Archduke Rudolph + 71. To a Dear Friend + 72. To the Dramatic Poet Treitschke + 73. To Zmeskall + 74. To the Same + 75. To the Same + 76. To the Same + 77. To the Same + 78. To the Same + 79. To the Same + 80. To Kammerprocurator Varenna, Gratz + 81. To Zmeskall + 82. To the Same + 83. To Varenna, Gratz + 84. To Zmeskall + 85. To Varenna + 86. To Archduke Rudolph + 87. To the Same + 88. To Varenna, Gratz + 89. To Joseph Freiherr von Schweiger + 90. To Varenna, Gratz + 91. Lines written in the Album of Mdme. Auguste Sebald + 92. To Archduke Rudolph + 93. To Bettina von Arnim + 94. To Princess Kinsky + 95. To Archduke Rudolph + 96. To the Same + 97. To the Same + 98. To Princess Kinsky + 99. To the Same +100. To Zmeskall +101. To Herr Joseph Varenna, Gratz +102. To the Same +103. To Zmeskall +104. To the Same +105. To the Same +106. To the Same +107. To the Same +108. To the Same +109. To the Same +110. To Archduke Rudolph +111. To the Same +112. To the Same +113. To Freiherr Josef von Schweiger +114. To Herr von Baumeister +115. To Zmeskall +116. Letter of Thanks +117. To the Archduke Rudolph +118. To the Same +119. To the Same +120. To Treitschke +121. To the Same +122. To the Same +123. To Count Lichnowsky. +124. To the Same +125. To the Archduke Rudolph +126. To the Same +127. Deposition +128. To Dr. Kauka, Prague. +129. Address and Appeal to London Artists +130. To Dr. Kauka +131. To Count Moritz Lichnowsky +132. To the Archduke Rudolph +133. To the Same +134. To the Same +135. To the Same +136. To the Same +137. To the Same +138. To the Same +139. To the Same +140. To Dr. Kauka +141. To the Same +142. To the Same +143. To the Members of the Landrecht +144. To Baron von Pasqualati +145. To Dr. Kauka +146. To the Archduke Rudolph + + + + +SECOND PART. + +LIFE'S MISSION. +1815-1822. + + +147. Music written in Spohr's Album +148. To Dr. Kauka +149. To the Same +150. To the Same +151. To Mr. Salomon, London +152. To the Archduke Rudolph +153. To the Same +154. To the Same +155. To the Same +156. To the Same +157. To the Same +158. To Mr. Birchall, Music Publisher, London +159. To Zmeskall +160. To the Archduke Rudolph +161. To Messrs. Birchall, London +162. To Herr Ries +163. To Zmeskall +164. To Mdlle. Milder-Hauptmann +165. To Ries +166. To Mr. Birchall, London +167. To Czerny +168. To the Same +169. To Ries, London +170. To Giannatasio del Rio, Vienna +171. To the Same +172. To the Same +173. To the Same +174. To Ferdinand Ries, London +175. To the Same +176. Power of Attorney +177. To Ferdinand Ries +178. To Giannatasio del Rio +179. To the Same +180. To the Archduke Rudolph +181. To Mr. Birchall London +182. To the Same +183. To Giannatasio del Rio +184. To the Same +185. To Zmeskall +186. To Dr. Kauka +187. Query +188. To Giannatasio del Rio +189. To the Same +190. To Wegeler +191. To Mr. Birchall, London +192. To Zmeskall +193. To the Archduke Rudolph +194. To Freiherr von Schweiger +195. To Giannatasio del Rio +196. To the Same +197. To the Same +198. To the Same +199. To Herr Tschischka +200. To Mr. Birchall +201. To Zmeskall +202. To Frau von Streicher +203. To the Same +204. To the Same +205. To the Same +206. To the Same +207. To the Archduke Rudolph +208. To Giannatasio del Rio +209. To the Same +210. To the Same +211. To Hofrath von Mosel +212. To S.A. Steiner, Music Publisher, Vienna +213. To the Same +214. To the Same +215. To Zmeskall + + + + +FIRST PART. + + +LIFE'S JOYS AND SORROWS. +1783 TO 1815. + + + + +BEETHOVEN'S LETTERS. + + +PART I. + + +1. + +TO THE ELECTOR OF COLOGNE, FREDERICK MAXIMILIAN.[1] + +ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE,-- + +Music from my fourth year has ever been my favorite pursuit. Thus early +introduced to the sweet Muse, who attuned my soul to pure harmony, I loved +her, and sometimes ventured to think that I was beloved by her in return. I +have now attained my eleventh year, and my Muse often whispered to me in +hours of inspiration,--Try to write down the harmonies in your soul. Only +eleven years old! thought I; does the character of an author befit me? and +what would more mature artists say? I felt some trepidation; but my Muse +willed it--so I obeyed, and wrote. + +May I now, therefore, Illustrious Prince, presume to lay the first-fruits +of my juvenile labors at the foot of your throne? and may I hope that you +will condescend to cast an encouraging and kindly glance on them? You will; +for Art and Science have ever found in you a judicious protector and a +generous patron, and rising talent has always prospered under your +fostering and fatherly care. Encouraged by this cheering conviction, I +venture to approach you with these my youthful efforts. Accept them as the +pure offering of childlike reverence, and graciously vouchsafe to regard +with indulgence them and their youthful composer, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The dedication affixed to this work, "Three Sonatas for the +Piano, dedicated to my illustrious master, Maximilian Friedrich, Archbishop +and Elector of Cologne, by Ludwig van Beethoven in his eleventh year," is +probably not written by the boy himself, but is given here as an amusing +contrast to his subsequent ideas with regard to the homage due to rank.] + + +2. + +TO DR. SCHADE,--AUGSBURG. + +Bonn, 1787. Autumn. + +MY MOST ESTEEMED FRIEND,-- + +I can easily imagine what you must think of me, and I cannot deny that you +have too good grounds for an unfavorable opinion. I shall not, however, +attempt to justify myself, until I have explained to you the reasons why my +apologies should be accepted. I must tell you that from the time I left +Augsburg[1] my cheerfulness, as well as my health, began to decline; the +nearer I came to my native city, the more frequent were the letters from my +father, urging me to travel with all possible speed, as my mother's health +was in a most precarious condition. I therefore hurried forwards as fast as +I could, although myself far from well. My longing once more to see my +dying mother overcame every obstacle, and assisted me in surmounting the +greatest difficulties. I found my mother indeed still alive, but in the +most deplorable state; her disease was consumption, and about seven weeks +ago, after much pain and suffering, she died [July 17]. She was indeed a +kind, loving mother to me, and my best friend. Ah! who was happier than I, +when I could still utter the sweet name of mother, and it was heard? But to +whom can I now say it? Only to the silent form resembling her, evoked by +the power of imagination. I have passed very few pleasant hours since my +arrival here, having during the whole time been suffering from asthma, +which may, I fear, eventually turn to consumption; to this is added +melancholy,--almost as great an evil as my malady itself. Imagine yourself +in my place, and then I shall hope to receive your forgiveness for my long +silence. You showed me extreme kindness and friendship by lending me three +Carolins in Augsburg, but I must entreat your indulgence for a time. My +journey cost me a great deal, and I have not the smallest hopes of earning +anything here. Fate is not propitious to me in Bonn. Pardon my intruding on +you so long with my affairs, but all that I have said was necessary for my +own justification. + +I do entreat you not to deprive me of your valuable friendship; nothing do +I wish so much as in any degree to become worthy of your regard. I am, with +all esteem, your obedient servant and friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN, + +_Cologne Court Organist._ + +[Footnote 1: On his return from Vienna, whither Max Franz had sent him for +the further cultivation of his talents.] + + +3. + +TO THE ELECTOR MAXIMILIAN FRANCIS.[1] + +1793. + +MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND GRACIOUS PRINCE,-- + +Some years ago your Highness was pleased to grant a pension to my father, +the Court tenor Van Beethoven, and further graciously to decree that 100 R. +Thalers of his salary should be allotted to me, for the purpose of +maintaining, clothing, and educating my two younger brothers, and also +defraying the debts incurred by our father. It was my intention to present +this decree to your Highness's treasurer, but my father earnestly implored +me to desist from doing so, that he might not be thus publicly proclaimed +incapable himself of supporting his family, adding that he would engage to +pay me the 25 R.T. quarterly, which he punctually did. After his death, +however (in December last), wishing to reap the benefit of your Highness's +gracious boon, by presenting the decree, I was startled to find that my +father had destroyed it. + +I therefore, with all dutiful respect, entreat your Highness to renew this +decree, and to order the paymaster of your Highness's treasury to grant me +the last quarter of this benevolent addition to my salary (due the +beginning of February). I have the honor to remain, + +Your Highness's most obedient and faithful servant, + +LUD. V. BEETHOVEN, + +_Court Organist._ + +[Footnote 1: An electoral decree was issued in compliance with this request +on May 3, 1793.] + + +4. + +TO ELEONORE VON BREUNING,--BONN. + +Vienna, Nov. 2, 1793. + +MY HIGHLY ESTEEMED ELEONORE, MY DEAREST FRIEND,-- + +A year of my stay in this capital has nearly elapsed before you receive a +letter from me, and yet the most vivid remembrance of you is ever present +with me. I have often conversed in thought with you and your dear family, +though not always in the happy mood I could have wished, for that fatal +misunderstanding still hovered before me, and my conduct at that time is +now hateful in my sight. But so it was, and how much would I give to have +the power wholly to obliterate from my life a mode of acting so degrading +to myself, and so contrary to the usual tenor of my character! + +Many circumstances, indeed, contributed to estrange us, and I suspect that +those tale-bearers who repeated alternately to you and to me our mutual +expressions were the chief obstacles to any good understanding between us. +Each believed that what was said proceeded from deliberate conviction, +whereas it arose only from anger, fanned by others; so we were both +mistaken. Your good and noble disposition, my dear friend, is sufficient +security that you have long since forgiven me. We are told that the best +proof of sincere contrition is to acknowledge our faults; and this is what +I wish to do. Let us now draw a veil over the whole affair, learning one +lesson from it,--that when friends are at variance, it is always better to +employ no mediator, but to communicate directly with each other. + +With this you will receive a dedication from me [the variations on "Se vuol +ballare"]. My sole wish is that the work were greater and more worthy of +you. I was applied to here to publish this little work, and I take +advantage of the opportunity, my beloved Eleonore, to give you a proof of +my regard and friendship for yourself, and also a token of my enduring +remembrance of your family. Pray then accept this trifle, and do not forget +that it is offered by a devoted friend. Oh! if it only gives you pleasure, +my wishes will be fulfilled. May it in some degree recall the time when I +passed so many happy hours in your house! Perhaps it may serve to remind +you of me till I return, though this is indeed a distant prospect. Oh! how +we shall then rejoice together, my dear Eleonore! You will, I trust, find +your friend a happier man, all former forbidding, careworn furrows smoothed +away by time and better fortune. + +When you see B. Koch [subsequently Countess Belderbusch], pray say that it +is unkind in her never once to have written to me. I wrote to her twice, +and three times to Malchus (afterwards Westphalian Minister of Finance), +but no answer. Tell her that if she does not choose to write herself, I beg +that she will at least urge Malchus to do so. At the close of my letter I +venture to make one more request--I am anxious to be so fortunate as again +to possess an Angola waistcoat knitted by your own hand, my dear friend. +Forgive my indiscreet request; it proceeds from my great love for all that +comes from you; and I may privately admit that a little vanity is connected +with it, namely, that I may say I possess something from the best and most +admired young lady in Bonn. I still have the one you were so good as to +give me in Bonn; but change of fashion has made it look so antiquated, that +I can only treasure it in my wardrobe as your gift, and thus still very +dear to me. You would make me very happy by soon writing me a kind letter. +If mine cause you any pleasure, I promise you to do as you wish, and write +as often as it lies in my power; indeed everything is acceptable to me that +can serve to show you how truly I am your admiring and sincere friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + +P.S. The variations are rather difficult to play, especially the shake in +the _Coda_; but do not be alarmed at this, being so contrived that you only +require to play the shake, and leave out the other notes, which also occur +in the violin part. I never would have written it in this way, had I not +occasionally observed that there was a certain individual in Vienna who, +when I extemporized the previous evening, not unfrequently wrote down next +day many of the peculiarities of my music, adopting them as his own [for +instance, the Abbé Gelinek]. Concluding, therefore, that some of these +things would soon appear, I resolved to anticipate this. Another reason +also was to puzzle some of the pianoforte teachers here, many of whom are +my mortal foes; so I wished to revenge myself on them in this way, knowing +that they would occasionally be asked to play the variations, when these +gentlemen would not appear to much advantage. + +BEETHOVEN. + + +5. + +TO ELEONORE VON BREUNING,--BONN. + +The beautiful neckcloth, embroidered by your own hand, was the greatest +possible surprise to me; yet, welcome as the gift was, it awakened within +me feelings of sadness. Its effect was to recall former days, and to put me +to shame by your noble conduct to me. I, indeed, little thought that you +still considered me worthy of your remembrance. + +Oh! if you could have witnessed my emotions yesterday when this incident +occurred, you would not think that I exaggerate in saying that such a token +of your recollection brought tears to my eyes, and made me feel very sad. +Little as I may deserve favor in your eyes, believe me, my dear _friend_, +(let me still call you so,) I have suffered, and still suffer severely from +the privation of your friendship. Never can I forget you and your dear +mother. You were so kind to me that your loss neither can nor will be +easily replaced. I know what I have forfeited, and what you were to me, but +in order to fill up this blank I must recur to scenes equally painful for +you to hear and for me to detail. + +As a slight requital of your kind _souvenir_, I take the liberty to send +you some variations, and a Rondo with violin accompaniment. I have a great +deal to do, or I would long since have transcribed the Sonata I promised +you. It is as yet a mere sketch in manuscript, and to copy it would be a +difficult task even for the clever and practised Paraquin [counter-bass in +the Electoral orchestra]. You can have the Rondo copied, and return the +score. What I now send is the only one of my works at all suitable for you; +besides, as you are going to Kerpen [where an uncle of the family lived], I +thought these trifles might cause you pleasure. + +Farewell, my friend; for it is impossible for me to give you any other +name. However indifferent I may be to you, believe me, I shall ever +continue to revere you and your mother as I have always done. If I can in +any way contribute to the fulfilment of a wish of yours, do not fail to let +me know, for I have no other means of testifying my gratitude for past +friendship. + +I wish you an agreeable journey, and that your dear mother may return +entirely restored to health! Think sometimes of your affectionate friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +6. + +TO HERR SCHENK. + +June, 1794. + +DEAR SCHENK,[1]-- + +I did not know that I was to set off to-day to Eisenstadt. I should like to +have talked to you again. In the mean time rest assured of my gratitude for +your obliging services. I shall endeavor, so far as it lies in my power, to +requite them. I hope soon to see you, and once more to enjoy the pleasure +of your society. Farewell, and do not entirely forget your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Schenk, afterwards celebrated as the composer of the "Dorf +Barbier," was for some time Beethoven's teacher in composition. This note +appears to have been written in June, 1794, and first printed in the +"Freischütz," No. 183, about 1836, at the time of Schenk's death, when his +connection with Beethoven was mentioned.] + + +7. + +TO DR. WEGELER,--VIENNA.[1] + +... In what an odious light have you exhibited me to myself! Oh! I +acknowledge it, I do not deserve your friendship. It was no intentional or +deliberate malice that induced me to act towards you as I did, but +inexcusable thoughtlessness alone. + +I say no more. I am coming to throw myself into your arms, and to entreat +you to restore me my lost friend; and you will give him back to me, to your +penitent, loving, and ever-grateful + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Dr. Wegeler, in answer to my request that he would send me the +entire letter, replied that "the passages omitted in the letter consisted +chiefly in eulogiums of his father, and enthusiastic expressions of +friendship, which did not seem to him to be of any value; but besides this, +the same reasons that induced his father to give only a portion of the +letter were imperative with him also." I do not wish to contest the point +with the possessor of the letter; still I may remark that all the +utterances and letters of a great man belong to the world at large, and +that in a case like the present, the conscientious biographer, who strives +faithfully to portray such a man, is alone entitled to decide what portion +of these communications is fitted for publication, and what is not. Any +considerations of a personal character seem to me very trivial.] + + +8. + +TO DR. WEGELER,--VIENNA. + +Vienna, May 1797. + +God speed you, my dear friend! I owe you a letter which you shall shortly +have, and my newest music besides, _I am going on well; indeed, I may say +every day better._ Greet those to whom it will give pleasure from me. +Farewell, and do not forget your + +BEETHOVEN. + + +9. + +WRITTEN IN THE ALBUM OF LENZ VON BREUNING. + +Vienna, Oct. 1, 1797. + + Truth for the wise, + Beauty for a feeling heart, + And both for each other. + +MY DEAR, GOOD BREUNING,-- + +Never can I forget the time I passed with you, not only in Bonn, but here. +Continue your friendship towards me, for you shall always find me the same +true friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +10. + +TO BARON ZMESKALL VON DOMANOWECZ. + +1800.[1] + +[Music: Alto, Tenor, Bass clefs, C Major, 4/4 time, Grave. +ALTO. Ba-ron. +TENORE. Ba-ron. +BASSO. Ba-ron. Ba-ron. Ba-ron.] + +MY CHEAPEST (NOT DEAREST) BARON,-- + +Desire the guitar-player to come to me to-day. Amenda (instead of an +_amende_ [fine], which he sometimes deserves for not observing his rests +properly) must persuade this popular guitarist to visit me, and if possible +to come at five o'clock this evening; if not then, at five or six o'clock +to-morrow morning; but he must not waken me if I chance to be still asleep. +_Adieu, mon ami à bon marché._ Perhaps we may meet at the "Swan"? + +[Footnote 1: As it appears from the following letters that Amenda was again +at home in 1800, the date of this note is thus ascertained. It is +undoubtedly addressed to Baron Zmeskall von Domanowecz, Royal Court +Secretary, a good violoncello-player, and one of Beethoven's earliest +friends in Vienna. The "guitarist" was probably the celebrated Giuliani, +who lived in Vienna.] + + +11. + +The musical Count is from this day forth _cashiered_ with infamy. The first +violin [Schuppanzigh] ruthlessly transported to _Siberia_. The Baron [see +No. 10] for a whole month _strictly interdicted from asking questions_; no +longer to be so hasty, and to devote himself exclusively to his _ipse +miserum_.[1] + +B. + +[Footnote 1: Written in gigantic characters in pencil on a large sheet of +paper. The "musical Count" is probably Count Moritz Lichnowsky, brother of +Prince Carl Lichnowsky, in whose house were held those musical performances +in which Beethoven's works were first produced. Even at that time he +behaved in a very dictatorial manner to those gentlemen when his +compositions were badly executed. Thence the name given him by Haydn of +"The Great Mogul."] + + +12. + +TO PASTOR AMENDA,--COURLAND. + +Does Amenda think that I can ever forget him, because I do not write? in +fact, never have written to him?--as if the memory of our friends could +only thus be preserved! The _best man I ever knew_ has a thousand times +recurred to my thoughts! Two persons alone once possessed my whole love, +one of whom still lives, and you are now the third. How can my remembrance +of you ever fade? You will shortly receive a long letter about my present +circumstances and all that can interest you. Farewell, beloved, good, and +noble friend! Ever continue your love and friendship towards me, just as I +shall ever be your faithful + +BEETHOVEN. + + +13. + +TO PASTOR AMENDA. + +1800. + +MY DEAR, MY GOOD AMENDA, MY WARM-HEARTED FRIEND,-- + +I received and read your last letter with deep emotion, and with mingled +pain and pleasure. To what can I compare your fidelity and devotion to me? +Ah! it is indeed delightful that you still continue to love me so well. I +know how to prize you, and to distinguish you from all others; you are not +like my Vienna friends. No! you are one of those whom the soil of my +fatherland is wont to bring forth; how often I wish that you were with me, +for your Beethoven is very unhappy. You must know that one of my most +precious faculties, that of hearing, is become very defective; even while +you were still with me I felt indications of this, though I said nothing; +but it is now much worse. Whether I shall ever be cured remains yet to be +seen; it is supposed to proceed from the state of my digestive organs, but +I am almost entirely recovered in that respect. I hope indeed that my +hearing may improve, but I scarcely think so, for attacks of this kind are +the most incurable of all. How sad my life must now be!--forced to shun all +that is most dear and precious to me, and to live with such miserable +egotists as ----, &c. I can with truth say that of all my friends +Lichnowsky [Prince Carl] is the most genuine. He last year settled 600 +florins on me, which, together with the good sale of my works, enables me +to live free from care as to my maintenance. All that I now write I can +dispose of five times over, and be well paid into the bargain. I have been +writing a good deal latterly, and as I hear that you have ordered some +pianos from ----, I will send you some of my compositions in the +packing-case of one of these instruments, by which means they will not cost +you so much. + +To my great comfort, a person has returned here with whom I can enjoy the +pleasures of society and disinterested friendship,--one of the friends of +my youth [Stephan von Breuning]. I have often spoken to him of you, and +told him that since I left my fatherland, you are one of those to whom my +heart specially clings. Z. [Zmeskall?] does not seem quite to please him; +he is, and always will be, too weak for true friendship, and I look on him +and ---- as mere instruments on which I play as I please, but never can +they bear noble testimony to my inner and outward energies, or feel true +sympathy with me; I value them only in so far as their services deserve. +Oh! how happy should I now be, had I my full sense of hearing; I would then +hasten to you; whereas, as it is, I must withdraw from everything. My best +years will thus pass away, without effecting what my talents and powers +might have enabled me to perform. How melancholy is the resignation in +which I must take refuge! I had determined to rise superior to all this, +but how is it possible? If in the course of six months my malady be +pronounced incurable then, Amenda! I shall appeal to you to leave all else +and come to me, when I intend to travel (my affliction is less distressing +when playing and composing, and most so in intercourse with others), and +you must be my companion. I have a conviction that good fortune will not +forsake me, for to what may I not at present aspire? Since you were here I +have written everything except operas and church music. You will not, I +know, refuse my petition; you will help your friend to bear his burden and +his calamity. I have also very much perfected my pianoforte playing, and I +hope that a journey of this kind may possibly contribute to your own +success in life, and you would thenceforth always remain with me. I duly +received all your letters, and though I did not reply to them, you were +constantly present with me, and my heart beats as tenderly as ever for you. +I beg you will keep the fact of my deafness a profound secret, and not +confide it to any human being. Write to me frequently; your letters, +however short, console and cheer me; so I shall soon hope to hear from you. + +Do not give your quartet to any one [in F, Op. 18, No. 1], as I have +altered it very much, having only now succeeded in writing quartets +properly; this you will at once perceive when you receive it. Now, +farewell, my dear kind friend! If by any chance I can serve you here, I +need not say that you have only to command me. + +Your faithful and truly attached + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +14. + +TO WEGELER. + +Vienna, June 29, 1800. + +MY DEAR AND VALUED WEGELER,-- + +How much I thank you for your remembrance of me, little as I deserve it, or +have sought to deserve it; and yet you are so kind that you allow nothing, +not even my unpardonable neglect, to discourage you, always remaining the +same true, good, and faithful friend. That I can ever forget you or yours, +once so dear and precious to me, do not for a moment believe. There are +times when I find myself longing to see you again, and wishing that I could +go to stay with you. My father-land, that lovely region where I first saw +the light, is still as distinct and beauteous in my eyes as when I quitted +you; in short, I shall esteem the time when I once more see you, and again +greet Father Rhine, as one of the happiest periods of my life. When this +may be I cannot yet tell; but at all events I may say that you shall not +see me again till I have become eminent, not only as an artist, but better +and more perfect as a man; and if the condition of our father-land be then +more prosperous, my art shall be entirely devoted to the benefit of the +poor. Oh, blissful moment!--how happy do I esteem myself that I can +expedite it and bring it to pass! + +You desire to know something of my position; well! it is by no means bad. +However incredible it may appear, I must tell you that Lichnowsky has been, +and still is, my warmest friend (slight dissensions occurred occasionally +between us, and yet they only served to strengthen our friendship). He +settled on me last year the sum of 600 florins, for which I am to draw on +him till I can procure some suitable situation. My compositions are very +profitable, and I may really say that I have almost more commissions than +it is possible for me to execute. I can have six or seven publishers or +more for every piece, if I choose; they no longer bargain with me--I +demand, and they pay--so you see this is a very good thing. For instance, I +have a friend in distress, and my purse does not admit of my assisting him +at once; but I have only to sit down and write, and in a short time he is +relieved. I am also become more economical than formerly. If I finally +settle here, I don't doubt I shall be able to secure a particular day every +year for a concert, of which I have already given several. That malicious +demon, however, bad health, has been a stumbling-block in my path; my +hearing during the last three years has become gradually worse. The chief +cause of this infirmity proceeds from the state of my digestive organs, +which, as you know, were formerly bad enough, but have latterly become much +worse, and being constantly afflicted with diarrhoea, has brought on +extreme weakness. Frank [Director of the General Hospital] strove to +restore the tone of my digestion by tonics, and my hearing by oil of +almonds; but alas! these did me no good whatever; my hearing became worse, +and my digestion continued in its former plight. This went on till the +autumn of last year, when I was often reduced to utter despair. Then some +medical _asinus_ recommended me cold baths, but a more judicious doctor the +tepid ones of the Danube, which did wonders for me; my digestion improved, +but my hearing remained the same, or in fact rather got worse. I did indeed +pass a miserable winter; I suffered from most dreadful spasms, and sank +back into my former condition. Thus it went on till about a month ago, when +I consulted Vering [an army surgeon], under the belief that my maladies +required surgical advice; besides, I had every confidence in him. He +succeeded in almost entirely checking the violent diarrhoea, and ordered me +the tepid baths of the Danube, into which I pour some strengthening +mixture. He gave me no medicine, except some digestive pills four days ago, +and a lotion for my ears. I certainly do feel better and stronger, but my +ears are buzzing and ringing perpetually, day and night. I can with truth +say that my life is very wretched; for nearly two years past I have avoided +all society, because I find it impossible to say to people, _I am deaf!_ In +any other profession this might be more tolerable, but in mine such a +condition is truly frightful. Besides, what would my enemies say to +this?--and they are not few in number. + +To give you some idea of my extraordinary deafness, I must tell you that in +the theatre I am obliged to lean close up against the orchestra in order to +understand the actors, and when a little way off I hear none of the high +notes of instruments or singers. It is most astonishing that in +conversation some people never seem to observe this; being subject to fits +of absence, they attribute it to that cause. I often can scarcely hear a +person if speaking low; I can distinguish the tones, but not the words, and +yet I feel it intolerable if any one shouts to me. Heaven alone knows how +it is to end! Vering declares that I shall certainly improve, even if I be +not entirely restored. How often have I cursed my existence! Plutarch led +me to resignation. I shall strive if possible to set Fate at defiance, +although there must be moments in my life when I cannot fail to be the most +unhappy of God's creatures. I entreat you to say nothing of my affliction +to any one, not even to Lorchen [see Nos. 4 and 5]. I confide the secret to +you alone, and entreat you some day to correspond with Vering on the +subject. If I continue in the same state, I shall come to you in the +ensuing spring, when you must engage a house for me somewhere in the +country, amid beautiful scenery, and I shall then become a rustic for a +year, which may perhaps effect a change. Resignation!--what a miserable +refuge! and yet it is my sole remaining one. You will forgive my thus +appealing to your kindly sympathies at a time when your own position is sad +enough. Stephan Breuning is here, and we are together almost every day; it +does me so much good to revive old feelings! He has really become a capital +good fellow, not devoid of talent, and his heart, like that of us all, +pretty much in the right place. [See No. 13.] + +I have very charming rooms at present, adjoining the Bastei [the ramparts], +and peculiarly valuable to me on account of my health [at Baron +Pasqualati's]. I do really think I shall be able to arrange that Breuning +shall come to me. You shall have your Antiochus [a picture], and plenty of +my music besides--if, indeed, it will not cost you too much. Your love of +art does honestly rejoice me. Only say how it is to be done, and I will +send you all my works, which now amount to a considerable number, and are +daily increasing. I beg you will let me have my grandfather's portrait as +soon as possible by the post, in return for which I send you that of his +grandson, your loving and attached Beethoven. It has been brought out here +by Artaria, who, as well as many other publishers, has often urged this on +me. I intend soon to write to Stoffeln [Christoph von Breuning], and +plainly admonish him about his surly humor. I mean to sound in his ears our +old friendship, and to insist on his promising me not to annoy you further +in your sad circumstances. I will also write to the amiable Lorchen. Never +have I forgotten one of you, my kind friends, though you did not hear from +me; but you know well that writing never was my _forte_, even my best +friends having received no letters from me for years. I live wholly in my +music, and scarcely is one work finished when another is begun; indeed, I +am now often at work on three or four things at the same time. Do write to +me frequently, and I will strive to find time to write to you also. Give my +remembrances to all, especially to the kind Frau Hofräthin [von Breuning], +and say to her that I am still subject to an occasional _raptus_. As for +K----, I am not at all surprised at the change in her: Fortune rolls like a +ball, and does not always stop before the best and noblest. As to Ries +[Court musician in Bonn], to whom pray cordially remember me, I must say +one word. I will write to you more particularly about his son [Ferdinand], +although I believe that he would be more likely to succeed in Paris than in +Vienna, which is already overstocked, and where even those of the highest +merit find it a hard matter to maintain themselves. By next autumn or +winter, I shall be able to see what can be done for him, because then all +the world returns to town. Farewell, my kind, faithful Wegeler! Rest +assured of the love and friendship of your + +BEETHOVEN. + + +15. + +TO COUNTESS GIULIETTA GUICCIARDI.[1] + +Morning, July 6, 1800. + +MY ANGEL! MY ALL! MY SECOND SELF! + +Only a few words to-day, written with a pencil (your own). My residence +cannot be settled till to-morrow. What a tiresome loss of time! Why this +deep grief when necessity compels?--can our love exist without sacrifices, +and by refraining from desiring all things? Can you alter the fact that you +are not wholly mine, nor I wholly yours? Ah! contemplate the beauties of +Nature, and reconcile your spirit to the inevitable. Love demands all, and +has a right to do so, and thus it is _I feel towards you_ and _you towards +me_; but you do not sufficiently remember that I must live both _for you_ +and _for myself_. Were we wholly united, you would feel this sorrow as +little as I should. My journey was terrible. I did not arrive here till +four o'clock yesterday morning, as no horses were to be had. The drivers +chose another route; but what a dreadful one it was! At the last stage I +was warned not to travel through the night, and to beware of a certain +wood, but this only incited me to go forward, and I was wrong. The carriage +broke down, owing to the execrable roads, mere deep rough country lanes, +and had it not been for the postilions I must have been left by the +wayside. Esterhazy, travelling the usual road, had the same fate with eight +horses, whereas I had only four. Still I felt a certain degree of pleasure, +which I invariably do when I have happily surmounted any difficulty. But I +must now pass from the outer to the inner man. We shall, I trust, soon meet +again; to-day I cannot impart to you all the reflections I have made, +during the last few days, on my life; were our hearts closely united +forever, none of these would occur to me. My heart is overflowing with all +I have to say to you. Ah! there are moments when I find that speech is +actually nothing. Take courage! Continue to be ever my true and only love, +my all! as I am yours. The gods must ordain what is further to be and shall +be! + +Your faithful + +LUDWIG. + +Monday Evening, July 6. + +You grieve! dearest of all beings! I have just heard that the letters must +be sent off very early. Mondays and Thursdays are the only days when the +post goes to K. from here. You grieve! Ah! where I am, there you are ever +with me; how earnestly shall I strive to pass my life with you, and what a +life will it be!!! Whereas now!! without you!! and persecuted by the +kindness of others, which I neither deserve nor try to deserve! The +servility of man towards his fellow-man pains me, and when I regard myself +as a component part of the universe, what am I, what is he who is called +the greatest?--and yet herein are displayed the godlike feelings of +humanity!--I weep in thinking that you will receive no intelligence from me +till probably Saturday. However dearly you may love me, I love you more +fondly still. Never conceal your feelings from me. Good-night! As a patient +at these baths, I must now go to rest [a few words are here effaced by +Beethoven himself]. Oh, heavens! so near, and yet so far! Is not our love a +truly celestial mansion, but firm as the vault of heaven itself? + +July 7. + +GOOD-MORNING! + +Even before I rise, my thoughts throng to you, my immortal +beloved!--sometimes full of joy, and yet again sad, waiting to see whether +Fate will hear us. I must live either wholly with you, or not at all. +Indeed I have resolved to wander far from you [see No. 13] till the moment +arrives when I can fly into your arms, and feel that they are my home, and +send forth my soul in unison with yours into the realm of spirits. Alas! it +must be so! You will take courage, for you know my fidelity. Never can +another possess my heart--never, never! Oh, heavens! Why must I fly from +her I so fondly love? and yet my existence in W. was as miserable as here. +Your love made me the most happy and yet the most unhappy of men. At my +age, life requires a uniform equality; can this be found in our mutual +relations? My angel! I have this moment heard that the post goes every day, +so I must conclude, that you may get this letter the sooner. Be calm! for +we can only attain our object of living together by the calm contemplation +of our existence. Continue to love me. Yesterday, to-day, what longings for +you, what tears for you! for you! for you! my life! my all! Farewell! Oh! +love me forever, and never doubt the faithful heart of your lover, L. + +Ever thine. +Ever mine. +Ever each other's. + +[Footnote 1: These letters to his "immortal beloved," to whom the C sharp +minor Sonata is dedicated, appear here for the first time in their +integrity, in accordance with the originals written in pencil on fine +notepaper, and given in Schindler's _Beethoven's Nachlass_. There has been +much discussion about the date. It is certified, in the first place, in the +church register which Alex. Thayer saw in Vienna, that Giulietta was +married to Count Gallenberg in 1801; and in the next place, the 6th of July +falls on a Monday in 1800. The other reasons which induce me decidedly to +fix this latter year as the date of the letter, I mean to give at full +length in the second volume of _Beethoven's Biography_. I may also state +that Beethoven was at baths in Hungary at that time. Whether the K---- in +the second letter means Komorn, I cannot tell.] + + +16. + +TO MATTHISSON. + +Vienna, August 4, 1800. + +MOST ESTEEMED FRIEND,-- + +You will receive with this one of my compositions published some years +since, and yet, to my shame, you probably have never heard of it. I cannot +attempt to excuse myself, or to explain why I dedicated a work to you which +came direct from my heart, but never acquainted you with its existence, +unless indeed in this way, that at first I did not know where you lived, +and partly also from diffidence, which led me to think I might have been +premature in dedicating a work to you before ascertaining that you approved +of it. Indeed, even now I send you "Adelaide" with a feeling of timidity. +You know yourself what changes the lapse of some years brings forth in an +artist who continues to make progress; the greater the advances we make in +art, the less are we satisfied with our works of an earlier date. My most +ardent wish will be fulfilled if you are not dissatisfied with the manner +in which I have set your heavenly "Adelaide" to music, and are incited by +it soon to compose a similar poem; and if you do not consider my request +too indiscreet, I would ask you to send it to me forthwith, that I may +exert all my energies to approach your lovely poetry in merit. Pray regard +the dedication as a token of the pleasure which your "Adelaide" conferred +on me, as well as of the appreciation and intense delight your poetry +always has inspired, and _always will inspire in me_. + +When playing "Adelaide," sometimes recall + +Your sincere admirer, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +17. + +TO FRAU FRANK,--VIENNA + +October, 1800. + +DEAR LADY,-- + +At the second announcement of our concert, you must remind your husband +that the public should be made acquainted with the names of those whose +talents are to contribute to this concert. Such is the custom here; and +indeed, were it not so, what is there to attract a larger audience? which +is after all our chief object. Punto [the celebrated horn-player, for whom +Beethoven wrote Sonata 17] is not a little indignant about the omission, +and I must say he has reason to be so; but even before seeing him it was my +intention to have reminded you of this, for I can only explain the mistake +by great haste or great forgetfulness. Be so good, then, dear lady, as to +attend to my hint; otherwise you will certainly expose yourself to _many +annoyances_. Being at last convinced in my own mind, and by others, that I +shall not be quite superfluous in this concert, I know that not only I, but +also Punto, Simoni [a tenorist], and Galvani will demand that the public +should be apprised of our zeal for this charitable object; otherwise we +must all conclude that we are not wanted. + +Yours, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +18. + +TO HERR VON WEGELER. + +Vienna, Nov. 16, 1800. + +MY DEAR WEGELER,-- + +I thank you for this fresh proof of your interest in me, especially as I so +little deserve it. You wish to know how I am, and what remedies I use. +Unwilling as I always feel to discuss this subject, still I feel less +reluctant to do so with you than with any other person. For some months +past Vering has ordered me to apply blisters on both arms, of a particular +kind of bark, with which you are probably acquainted,--a disagreeable +remedy, independent of the pain, as it deprives me of the free use of my +arms for a couple of days at a time, till the blisters have drawn +sufficiently. The ringing and buzzing in my ears have certainly rather +decreased, particularly in the left ear, in which the malady first +commenced, but my hearing is not at all improved; in fact I fear that it is +become rather worse. My health is better, and after using the tepid baths +for a time, I feel pretty well for eight or ten days. I seldom take tonics, +but I have begun applications of herbs, according to your advice. Vering +will not hear of plunge baths, but I am much dissatisfied with him; he is +neither so attentive nor so indulgent as he ought to be to such a malady; +if I did not go to him, which is no easy matter, I should never see him at +all. What is your opinion of Schmidt [an army surgeon]? I am unwilling to +make any change, but it seems to me that Vering is too much of a +practitioner to acquire new ideas by reading. On this point Schmidt appears +to be a very different man, and would probably be less negligent with +regard to my case. I hear wonders of galvanism; what do you say to it? A +physician told me that he knew a deaf and dumb child whose hearing was +restored by it (in Berlin), and likewise a man who had been deaf for seven +years, and recovered his hearing. I am told that your friend Schmidt is at +this moment making experiments on the subject. + +I am now leading a somewhat more agreeable life, as of late I have been +associating more with other people. You could scarcely believe what a sad +and dreary life mine has been for the last two years; my defective hearing +everywhere pursuing me like a spectre, making me fly from every one, and +appear a misanthrope; and yet no one is in reality less so! This change has +been wrought by a lovely fascinating girl [undoubtedly Giulietta], who +loves me and whom I love. I have once more had some blissful moments during +the last two years, and it is the first time I ever felt that marriage +could make me happy. Unluckily, she is not in my rank of life, and indeed +at this moment I can marry no one; I must first bestir myself actively in +the world. Had it not been for my deafness, I would have travelled half +round the globe ere now, and this I must still do. For me there is no +pleasure so great as to promote and to pursue my art. + +Do not suppose that I could be happy with you. What indeed could make me +happier? Your very solicitude would distress me; I should read your +compassion every moment in your countenance, which would make me only still +more unhappy. What were my thoughts amid the glorious scenery of my +father-land? The hope alone of a happier future, which would have been mine +but for this affliction! Oh! I could span the world were I only free from +this! I feel that my youth is only now commencing. Have I not always been +an infirm creature? For some time past my bodily strength has been +increasing, and it is the same with my mental powers. I feel, though I +cannot describe it, that I daily approach the object I have in view, in +which alone can your Beethoven live. No rest for him!--I know of none but +in sleep, and I do grudge being obliged to sacrifice more time to it than +formerly.[1] Were I only half cured of my malady, then I would come to you, +and, as a more perfect and mature man, renew our old friendship. + +You should then see me as happy as I am ever destined to be here below--not +unhappy. No! that I could not endure; I will boldly meet my fate, never +shall it succeed in crushing me. Oh! it is so glorious to live one's life a +thousand times over! I feel that I am no longer made for a quiet existence. +You will write to me as soon as possible? Pray try to prevail on Steffen +[von Breuning] to seek an appointment from the Teutonic Order somewhere. +Life here is too harassing for his health; besides, he is so isolated that +I do not see how he is ever to get on. You know the kind of existence here. +I do not take it upon myself to say that society would dispel his +lassitude, but he cannot be persuaded to go anywhere. A short time since, I +had some music in my house, but our friend Steffen stayed away. Do +recommend him to be more calm and self-possessed, which I have in vain +tried to effect; otherwise he can neither enjoy health nor happiness. Tell +me in your next letter whether you care about my sending you a large +selection of music; you can indeed dispose of what you do not want, and +thus repay the expense of the carriage, and have my portrait into the +bargain. Say all that is kind and amiable from me to Lorchen, and also to +mamma and Christoph. You still have some regard for me? Always rely on the +love as well as the friendship of your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: "Too much sleep is hurtful" is marked by a thick score in the +Odyssey (45, 393) by Beethoven's hand. See Schindler's _Beethoven's +Nachlass_.] + + +19. + +TO KAPELLMEISTER HOFMEISTER,--LEIPZIG.[1] + +Vienna, Dec. 15, 1800. + +MY DEAR BROTHER IN ART,-- + +I have often intended to answer your proposals, but am frightfully lazy +about all correspondence; so it is usually a good while before I can make +up my mind to write dry letters instead of music. I have, however, at last +forced myself to answer your application. _Pro primo_, I must tell you how +much I regret that you, my much-loved brother in the science of music, did +not give me some hint, so that I might have offered you my quartets, as +well as many other things that I have now disposed of. But if you are as +conscientious, my dear brother, as many other publishers, who grind to +death us poor composers, you will know pretty well how to derive ample +profit when the works appear. I now briefly state what you can have from +me. 1st. A Septet, _per il violino, viola, violoncello, contra-basso, +clarinetto, corno, fagotto;--tutti obbligati_ (I can write nothing that is +not _obbligato_, having come into the world with an _obbligato_ +accompaniment!) This Septet pleases very much. For more general use it +might be arranged for one more _violino, viola_, and _violoncello_, instead +of the three wind-instruments, _fagotto, clarinetto_, and _corno_.[2] 2d. A +Grand Symphony with full orchestra [the 1st]. 3rd. A pianoforte Concerto +[Op. 19], which I by no means assert to be one of my best, any more than +the one Mollo is to publish here [Op. 15], (this is for the benefit of the +Leipzig critics!) because _I reserve the best for myself_ till I set off on +my travels; still the work will not disgrace you to publish. 4th. A Grand +Solo Sonata [Op. 22]. These are all I can part with at this moment; a +little later you can have a quintet for stringed instruments, and probably +some quartets also, and other pieces that I have not at present beside me. +In your answer you can yourself fix the prices; and as you are neither an +_Italian_ nor a _Jew_, nor am I either, we shall no doubt quickly agree. +Farewell, and rest assured, + +My dear brother in art, of the esteem of your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The letters to Hofmeister, formerly of Vienna, who conducted +the correspondence with Beethoven in the name of the firm of "Hofmeister & +Kühnel, Bureau de Musique," are given here as they first appeared in 1837 +in the _Neue Zeitschrift für Musik_. On applying to the present +representative of that firm, I was told that those who now possess these +letters decline giving them out of their own hands, and that no copyist can +be found able to decipher or transcribe them correctly.] + +[Footnote 2: This last phrase is not in the copy before me, but in Marx's +_Biography_, who appears to have seen the original.] + + +20. + +TO KAPELLMEISTER HOFMEISTER. + +Vienna, Jan. 15 (or thereabouts), 1801. + +I read your letter, dear brother and friend, with much pleasure, and I +thank you for your good opinion of me and of my works, and hope I may +continue to deserve it. I also beg you to present all due thanks to Herr K. +[Kühnel] for his politeness and friendship towards me. I, on my part, +rejoice in your undertakings, and am glad that when works of art do turn +out profitable, they fall to the share of true artists, rather than to that +of mere tradesmen. + +Your intention to publish Sebastian Bach's works really gladdens my heart, +which beats with devotion for the lofty and grand productions of this our +father of the science of harmony, and I trust I shall soon see them appear. +I hope when golden peace is proclaimed, and your subscription list opened, +to procure you many subscribers here.[1] + +With regard to our own transactions, as you wish to know my proposals, they +are as follows. I offer you at present the following works:--The Septet +(which I already wrote to you about), 20 ducats; Symphony, 20 ducats; +Concerto, 10 ducats; Grand Solo Sonata, _allegro, adagio, minuetto, rondo_, +20 ducats. This Sonata [Op. 22] is well up to the mark, my dear brother! + +Now for explanations. You may perhaps be surprised that I make no +difference of price between the sonata, septet, and symphony. I do so +because I find that a septet or a symphony has not so great a sale as a +sonata, though a symphony ought unquestionably to be of the most value. +(N.B. The septet consists of a short introductory _adagio_, an _allegro, +adagio, minuetto, andante_, with variations, _minuetto_, and another short +_adagio_ preceding a _presto_.) I only ask ten ducats for the concerto, +for, as I already wrote to you, I do not consider it one of my best. I +cannot think that, taken as a whole, you will consider these prices +exorbitant; at least, I have endeavored to make them as moderate as +possible for you. + +With regard to the banker's draft, as you give me my choice, I beg you will +make it payable by Germüller or Schüller. The entire sum for the four works +will amount to 70 ducats; I understand no currency but Vienna ducats, so +how many dollars in gold they make in your money is no affair of mine, for +really I am a very bad man of business and accountant. Now this +_troublesome_ business is concluded;--I call it so, heartily wishing that +it could be otherwise here below! There ought to be only one grand _dépôt_ +of art in the world, to which the artist might repair with his works, and +on presenting them receive what he required; but as it now is, one must be +half a tradesman besides--and how is this to be endured? Good heavens! I +may well call it _troublesome_! + +As for the Leipzig oxen,[2] let them talk!--they certainly will make no man +immortal by their prating, and as little can they deprive of immortality +those whom Apollo destines to attain it. + +Now may Heaven preserve you and your colleagues! I have been unwell for +some time; so it is rather difficult for me at present to write even music, +much more letters. I trust we shall have frequent opportunities to assure +each other how truly you are my friend, and I yours. + +I hope for a speedy answer. Adieu! + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: I have at this moment in my hands this edition of Bach, bound +in one thick volume, together with the first part of Nägeli's edition of +the _Wohltemperirtes Clavier_, also three books of exercises (D, G, and C +minor), the _Toccata in D Minor_, and _Twice Fifteen Inventions_.] + +[Footnote 2: It is thus that Schindler supplies the gap. It is probably an +allusion to the _Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung_, founded about three +years previously.] + + +21. + +TO HERR HOFMEISTER. + +Vienna, April 22, 1801. + +You have indeed too good cause to complain not a little of me. My excuse is +that I have been ill, and in addition had so much to do, that I could +scarcely even think of what I was to send you. Moreover, the only thing in +me that resembles a genius is, that my papers are never in very good order, +and yet no one but myself can succeed in arranging them. For instance, in +the score of the concerto, the piano part, according to my usual custom, +was not yet written down; so, owing to my hurry, you will receive it in my +own very illegible writing. In order that the works may follow as nearly as +possible in their proper order, I have marked the numbers to be placed on +each, as follows:-- + +Solo Sonata, Op. 22. +Symphony, Op. 21. +Septet, Op. 20. +Concerto, Op. 19. + +I will send you their various titles shortly. + +Put me down as a subscriber to Sebastian Bach's works [see Letter 20], and +also Prince Lichnowsky. The arrangement of Mozart's Sonatas as quartets +will do you much credit, and no doubt be profitable also. I wish I could +contribute more to the promotion of such an undertaking, but I am an +irregular man, and too apt, even with the best intentions, to forget +everything; I have, however, mentioned the matter to various people, and I +everywhere find them well disposed towards it. It would be a good thing if +you would arrange the septet you are about to publish as a quintet, with a +flute part, for instance; this would be an advantage to amateurs of the +flute, who have already importuned me on the subject, and who would swarm +round it like insects and banquet on it. + +Now to tell you something of myself. I have written a ballet +["Prometheus"], in which the ballet-master has not done his part so well as +might be. The F---- von L---- has also bestowed on us a production which by +no means corresponds with the ideas of his genius conveyed by the newspaper +reports. F---- seems to have taken Herr M---- (Wenzel Müller?) as his ideal +at the Kusperle, yet without even rising to his level. Such are the fine +prospects before us poor people who strive to struggle upwards! My dear +friend, pray lose no time in bringing the work before the notice of the +public, and write to me soon, that I may know whether by my delay I have +entirely forfeited your confidence for the future. Say all that is civil +and kind to your partner, Kühnel. Everything shall henceforth be sent +finished, and in quick succession. So now farewell, and continue your +regards for + +Your friend and brother, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +22. + +TO HERR HOFMEISTER. + +Vienna, June, 1801. + +I am rather surprised at the communication you have desired your business +agent here to make to me; I may well feel offended at your believing me +capable of so mean a trick. It would have been a very different thing had I +sold my works to rapacious shopkeepers, and then secretly made another good +speculation; but, from _one artist to another_, it is rather a strong +measure to suspect me of such a proceeding! The whole thing seems to be +either a device to put me to the test, or a mere suspicion. In any event I +may tell you that before you received the septet from me I had sent it to +Mr. Salomon in London (to be played at his own concert, which I did solely +from friendship), with the express injunction to beware of its getting into +other hands, as it was my intention to have it engraved in Germany, and, if +you choose, you can apply to him for the confirmation of this. But to give +you a further proof of my integrity, "I herewith give you the faithful +assurance that I have neither sold the septet, the symphony, the concerto, +nor the sonata to any one but to Messrs. Hofmeister and Kühnel, and that +they may consider them to be their own exclusive property. And to this I +pledge my honor." You may make what use you please of this guarantee. + +Moreover, I believe Salomon to be as incapable of the baseness of engraving +the septet as I am of selling it to him. I was so scrupulous in the matter, +that when applied to by various publishers to sanction a pianoforte +arrangement of the septet, I at once declined, though I do not even know +whether you proposed making use of it in this way. Here follow the +long-promised titles of the works. There will no doubt be a good deal to +alter and to amend in them; but this I leave to you. I shall soon expect a +letter from you, and, I hope, the works likewise, which I wish to see +engraved, as others have appeared, and are about to appear, in connection +with these numbers. I look on your statement as founded on mere rumors, +which you have believed with too much facility, or based entirely on +supposition, induced by having perchance heard that I had sent the work to +Salomon; I cannot, therefore, but feel some coolness towards such a +credulous friend, though I still subscribe myself + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +23. + +DEDICATION TO DR. SCHMIDT.[1] + +1801. + +MONSIEUR,-- + +Je sens parfaitement bien, que la Celebrité de Votre nom ainsi que l'amitié +dont Vous m'honorez, exigeroient de moi la dédicace d'un bien plus +important ouvrage. La seule chose qui a pu me déterminer à Vous offrir +celui-ci de préférence, c'est qu'il me paroît d'une exécution plus facile +et par la même plus propre à contribuer à la Satisfaction dont Vous +jouissez dans l'aimable Cercle de Votre Famille.--C'est surtout, lorsque +les heureux talents d'une fille chérie se seront developpés davantage, que +je me flatte de voir ce but atteint. Heureux si j'y ai réussi et si dans +cette faible marque de ma haute estime et de ma gratitude Vous reconnoissez +toute la vivacité et la cordialité de mes sentiments. + +LOUIS VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Grand Trio, Op. 38.] + + +24. + +TO HIS SCHOLAR, FERDINAND RIES.[1] + +1801. + +DEAR RIES,-- + +I send you herewith the four parts corrected by me; please compare the +others already written out with these. I also enclose a letter to Count +Browne. I have told him that he must make an advance to you of fifty +ducats, to enable you to get your outfit. This is absolutely necessary, so +it cannot offend him; for after being equipped, you are to go with him to +Baden on the Monday of the ensuing week. I must, however, reproach you for +not having had recourse to me long ago. Am I not your true friend? Why did +you conceal your necessities from me? No friend of mine shall ever be in +need, so long as I have anything myself. I would already have sent you a +small sum, did I not rely on Browne; if he fails us, then apply at once to +your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Ries names 1801 as the date of this letter, and it was no +doubt during that summer that Count Browne was in Baden. Ries's father had +assisted the Beethoven family in every way in his power at the time of the +mother's death.] + + +25. + +TO HERR HOFMEISTER,--LEIPZIG. + +Vienna, April 8, 1802. + +Do you mean to go post-haste to the devil, gentlemen, by proposing that I +should write _such_ a _sonata_? During the revolutionary fever, a thing of +the kind might have been appropriate, but now, when everything is falling +again into the beaten track, and Bonaparte has concluded a _Concordat_ with +the Pope--such a sonata as this? If it were a _missa pro Sancta Maria à tre +voci_, or a _vesper_, &c., then I would at once take up my pen and write a +_Credo in unum_, in gigantic semibreves. But, good heavens! such a sonata, +in this fresh dawning Christian epoch. No, no!--it won't do, and I will +have none of it. + +Now for my answer in quickest _tempo_. The lady can have a sonata from me, +and I am willing to adopt the general outlines of her plan in an +_aesthetical_ point of view, without adhering to the keys named. The price +to be five ducats; for this sum she can keep the work a year for her own +amusement, without either of us being entitled to publish it. After the +lapse of a year, the sonata to revert to me--that is, I can and will then +publish it, when, if she considers it any distinction, she may request me +to dedicate it to her. + +I now, gentlemen, commend you to the grace of God. My Sonata [Op. 22] is +well engraved, but you have been a fine time about it! I hope you will +usher my Septet into the world a little quicker, as the P---- is waiting +for it, and you know the Empress has it; and when there are in this +imperial city people like ----, I cannot be answerable for the result; so +lose no time! + +Herr ---- [Mollo?] has lately published my Quartets [Op. 18] full of faults +and _errata_, both large and small, which swarm in them like fish in the +sea; that is, they are innumerable. _Questo è un piacere per un +autore_--this is what I call engraving [_stechen_, stinging] with a +vengeance.[1] In truth, my skin is a mass of punctures and scratches from +this fine edition of my Quartets! Now farewell, and think of me as I do of +you. Till death, your faithful + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: In reference to the musical piracy at that time very prevalent +in Austria.] + + +26.[1] + +TO MY BROTHERS CARL AND JOHANN BEETHOVEN. + +Heiligenstadt, Oct. 6, 1802. + +Oh! ye who think or declare me to be hostile, morose, and misanthropical, +how unjust you are, and how little you know the secret cause of what +appears thus to you! My heart and mind were ever from childhood prone to +the most tender feelings of affection, and I was always disposed to +accomplish something great. But you must remember that six years ago I was +attacked by an incurable malady, aggravated by unskilful physicians, +deluded from year to year, too, by the hope of relief, and at length forced +to the conviction of a _lasting affliction_ (the cure of which may go on +for years, and perhaps after all prove impracticable). + +Born with a passionate and excitable temperament, keenly susceptible to the +pleasures of society, I was yet obliged early in life to isolate myself, +and to pass my existence in solitude. If I at any time resolved to surmount +all this, oh! how cruelly was I again repelled by the experience, sadder +than ever, of my defective hearing!--and yet I found it impossible to say +to others: Speak louder; shout! for I am deaf! Alas! how could I proclaim +the deficiency of a sense which ought to have been more perfect with me +than with other men,--a sense which I once possessed in the highest +perfection, to an extent, indeed, that few of my profession ever enjoyed! +Alas, I cannot do this! Forgive me therefore when you see me withdraw from +you with whom I would so gladly mingle. My misfortune is doubly severe from +causing me to be misunderstood. No longer can I enjoy recreation in social +intercourse, refined conversation, or mutual outpourings of thought. +Completely isolated, I only enter society when compelled to do so. I must +live like an exile. In company I am assailed by the most painful +apprehensions, from the dread of being exposed to the risk of my condition +being observed. It was the same during the last six months I spent in the +country. My intelligent physician recommended me to spare my hearing as +much as possible, which was quite in accordance with my present +disposition, though sometimes, tempted by my natural inclination for +society, I allowed myself to be beguiled into it. But what humiliation when +any one beside me heard a flute in the far distance, while I heard +_nothing_, or when others heard _a shepherd singing_, and I still heard +_nothing_! Such things brought me to the verge of desperation, and wellnigh +caused me to put an end to my life. _Art! art_ alone, deterred me. Ah! how +could I possibly quit the world before bringing forth all that I felt it +was my vocation to produce?[2] And thus I spared this miserable life--so +utterly miserable that any sudden change may reduce me at any moment from +my best condition into the worst. It is decreed that I must now choose +_Patience_ for my guide! This I have done. I hope the resolve will not fail +me, steadfastly to persevere till it may please the inexorable Fates to cut +the thread of my life. Perhaps I may get better, perhaps not. I am prepared +for either. Constrained to become a philosopher in my twenty-eighth +year![3] This is no slight trial, and more severe on an artist than on any +one else. God looks into my heart, He searches it, and knows that love for +man and feelings of benevolence have their abode there! Oh! ye who may one +day read this, think that you have done me injustice, and let any one +similarly afflicted be consoled, by finding one like himself, who, in +defiance of all the obstacles of Nature, has done all in his power to be +included in the ranks of estimable artists and men. My brothers Carl and +Johann, as soon as I am no more, if Professor Schmidt [see Nos. 18 and 23] +be still alive, beg him in my name to describe my malady, and to add these +pages to the analysis of my disease, that at least, so far as possible, the +world may be reconciled to me after my death. I also hereby declare you +both heirs of my small fortune (if so it may be called). Share it fairly, +agree together and assist each other. You know that anything you did to +give me pain has been long forgiven. I thank you, my brother Carl in +particular, for the attachment you have shown me of late. My wish is that +you may enjoy a happier life, and one more free from care, than mine has +been. Recommend _Virtue_ to your children; that alone, and not wealth, can +ensure happiness. I speak from experience. It was _Virtue_ alone which +sustained me in my misery; I have to thank her and Art for not having ended +my life by suicide. Farewell! Love each other. I gratefully thank all my +friends, especially Prince Lichnowsky and Professor Schmidt. I wish one of +you to keep Prince L----'s instruments; but I trust this will give rise to +no dissension between you. If you think it more beneficial, however, you +have only to dispose of them. How much I shall rejoice if I can serve you +even in the grave! So be it then! I joyfully hasten to meet Death. If he +comes before I have had the opportunity of developing all my artistic +powers, then, notwithstanding my cruel fate, he will come too early for me, +and I should wish for him at a more distant period; but even then I shall +be content, for his advent will release me from a state of endless +suffering. Come when he may, I shall meet him with courage. Farewell! Do +not quite forget me, even in death; I deserve this from you, because during +my life I so often thought of you, and wished to make you happy. Amen! + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +(_Written on the Outside._) + +Thus, then, I take leave of you, and with sadness too. The fond hope I +brought with me here, of being to a certain degree cured, now utterly +forsakes me. As autumn leaves fall and wither, so are my hopes blighted. +Almost as I came, I depart. Even the lofty courage that so often animated +me in the lovely days of summer is gone forever. O Providence! vouchsafe me +one day of pure felicity! How long have I been estranged from the glad echo +of true joy! When! O my God! when shall I again feel it in the temple of +Nature and of man?--never? Ah! that would be too hard! + +(_Outside._) + +To be read and fulfilled after my death by my brothers Carl and Johann. + +[Footnote 1: This beautiful letter I regret not to have seen in the +original, it being in the possession of the violin _virtuoso_ Ernst, in +London. I have adhered to the version given in the Leipzig _Allgemeine +Musikalische Zeitung_, Oct. 1827.] + +[Footnote 2: A large portion of the _Eroica_ was written in the course of +this summer, but not completed till August, 1804.] + +[Footnote 3: Beethoven did not at that time know in what year he was born. +See the subsequent letter of May 2, 1810. He was then far advanced in his +thirty-third year.] + + +27. + +NOTICE. + +November, 1802. + +I owe it to the public and to myself to state that the two quintets in C +and E flat major--one of these (arranged from a symphony of mine) published +by Herr Mollo in Vienna, and the other (taken from my Septet, Op. 20) by +Herr Hofmeister in Leipzig--are not original quintets, but only versions of +the aforesaid works given by the publishers. Arrangements in these days (so +fruitful in--arrangements) an author will find it vain to contend against; +but we may at least justly demand that the fact should be mentioned in the +title-page, neither to injure the reputation of the author nor to deceive +the public. This notice is given to prevent anything of the kind in future. +I also beg to announce that shortly a new original quintet of my +composition, in C major, Op. 29, will appear at Breitkopf & Härtel's in +Leipzig. + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +28. + +TO FERDINAND RIES. + +Summer of 1803. + +You no doubt are aware that I am here. Go to Stein, and ask if he can send +me an instrument, on hire. I am afraid of bringing mine here. Come to me +this evening about seven o'clock. I lodge in Oberdöbling, on the left side +of the street, No. 4, going down the hill towards Heiligenstadt. + + +29. + +TO HERR HOFMEISTER,--LEIPZIG. + +Vienna, Sept. 22, 1803. + +I hereby declare all the works you have ordered to be your property. The +list of these shall be made out and sent to you with my signature, as the +proof of their being your own. I also agree to accept the sum of fifty +ducats for them. Are you satisfied? + +Perhaps, instead of the variations with violoncello and violin,[1] I may +send you variations for the piano, arranged as a duet on a song of mine; +but Goethe's poetry must also be engraved, as I wrote these variations in +an album, and consider them better than the others. Are you satisfied? + +The arrangements are not by me, though I have revised and much improved +various passages; but I do not wish you to say that I have arranged them, +for it would be false, and I have neither time nor patience to do so. Are +you satisfied? + +Now farewell! I sincerely wish that all may go well with you. I would +gladly make you a present of all my works, if I could do so and still get +on in the world; but--remember most people are provided for, and know what +they have to live on, while, good heavens! where can an appointment be +found at the Imperial Court for such a _parvum talentum com ego_? + +Your friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: These are the six variations in D, on the air _Ich denke Dein_ +written in 1800 in the album of the Countesses Josephine Deym and Thérèse +of Brunswick.] + + +30. + +CAUTION. + +November, 1803. + +Herr Carl Zulehner, a piratical engraver in Mayence, has announced an +edition of my collected works for the pianoforte and also stringed +instruments. I consider it my duty publicly to inform all friends of music +that I have no share whatever in this edition. + +I would never have in any way authorized any collection of my works (which, +moreover, I consider premature) without previously consulting the +publishers of single pieces, and ensuring that correctness in which +editions of my individual works are so deficient. I must also observe that +this illegal edition cannot be complete, as several new works of mine are +shortly to appear in Paris, and these Herr Zulehner, being a French +subject, dare not pirate. I intend to take another opportunity of +enumerating the details of the collection of my works to be brought out +under my own auspices and careful revision. + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +31. + +TO HERR RIES.[1] + +1804. + +Be so good as to make out a list of the mistakes and send it at once to +Simrock, and say that the work must appear as soon as possible. I will send +him the Sonata [Op. 47] and the Concerto the day after to-morrow. + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Ries relates that the three following notes refer to the +pianoforte Sonata, Op. 31, No. 1, carefully engraved by Nägeli in Zurich, +which Beethoven consequently sent forthwith to Simrock in Bonn, desiring +him to bring out "_une édition très-correcte_" of the work. He also states +that Beethoven was residing in Heiligenstadt at the time the work was first +sent [see No. 26]. In Nottebohm's _Skizzenbuch von Beethoven_, he says (p. +43) that the first notice of the appearance of this sonata was on May 21st, +1803; but Simrock writes to me that the date of the document making over +the sonata to him is 1804.] + + +32. + +TO HERR RIES. + +I must again ask you to undertake the disagreeable task of making a fair +copy of the errors in the Zurich Sonata. I have got your list of _errata_ +"_auf der Wieden_." + + +33. + +TO HERR RIES. + +DEAR RIES,-- + +The signs are wrongly marked, and many of the notes misplaced; so be +careful! or your labor will be vain. _Ch' a detto l' amato bene?_ + + +34. + +TO HERR RIES. + +DEAR RIES,-- + +May I beg you to be so obliging as to copy this _andante_ [in the Kreuzer +Sonata] for me, however indifferently? I must send it off to-morrow, and as +Heaven alone knows what its fate may then be, I wish to get it transcribed. +But I must have it back to-morrow about one o'clock. The cause of my +troubling you is that one of my copyists is already very much occupied with +various things of importance, and the other is ill. + + +35. + +TO THE COMPOSER LEIDESDORF,--VIENNA.[1] + +DORF DES LEIDES [VILLAGE OF SORROW--LEIDESDORF],-- + +Let the bearer of this, Herr Ries, have some easy duets, and, better still, +let him have them for nothing. Conduct yourself in accordance with the +reformed doctrines. Farewell! + +BEETHOVEN + +_Minimus._ + +[Footnote 1: Date unknown. Leidesdorf was also a music-seller.] + + +36. + +TO HERR RIES. + +Baden, July 14, 1804. + +DEAR RIES,-- + +If you can find me better lodgings, I shall be very glad. Tell my brothers +not to engage these at once; I have a great desire to get one in a +spacious, quiet square or on the Bastei. It it really inexcusable in my +brother not to have provided wine, as it is so beneficial and necessary to +me. I shall take care to be present at the rehearsal on Wednesday. I am not +pleased to hear that it is to be at Schuppanzigh's. He may well be grateful +to me if my impertinences make him thinner! Farewell, dear Ries! We have +bad weather here, and I am not safe from visitors; so I must take flight in +order to be alone. + +Your true friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +37. + +TO HERR RIES. + +Baden, July, 1804. + +DEAR RIES,-- + +As Breuning [see Nos. 13, 14, and 18] by his conduct has not scrupled to +display my character to you and the house-steward as that of a mean, petty, +base man, I beg you will convey my reply at once in person to Breuning. I +answer only one point, the first in his letter, and I do so solely because +it is the only mode of justifying myself in your eyes. Say also to him that +I had no intention of reproaching him on account of the delay of the notice +to quit, and even if Breuning were really to blame for this, our harmonious +relations are so dear and precious in my sight, that, for the sake of a few +hundreds more or less, I would never subject any friend of mine to +vexation. You are aware, indeed, that I jestingly accused you as the cause +of the notice arriving too late. I am quite sure that you must remember +this. I had entirely forgotten the whole matter, but at dinner my brother +began to say that he thought Breuning was to blame in the affair, which I +at once denied, saying that you were in fault. I think this shows plainly +enough that I attributed no blame to Breuning; but on this he sprang up +like a madman, and insisted on sending for the house-steward. Such +behavior, in the presence of all those with whom I usually associate, and +to which I am wholly unaccustomed, caused me to lose all self-control; so I +also started up, upset my chair, left the room, and did not return. This +conduct induced Breuning to place me in a pretty light to you and the +house-steward, and also to send me a letter which I only answered by +silence. I have not another word to say to Breuning. His mode of thinking +and of acting, with regard to me, proves that there never ought to have +been such friendly intimacy between us, and assuredly it can never more be +restored. I wished to make you acquainted with this, as your version of the +occurrence degraded both my words and actions. I know that, had you been +aware of the real state of the affair, you would not have said what you +did, and with this I am satisfied. + +I now beg of you, dear Ries, to go to my brother, the apothecary, as soon +as you receive this letter, and say to him that I mean to leave Baden in +the course of a few days, and that he is to engage the lodging in Döbling +as soon as you have given him this message. I had nearly left this to-day; +I detest being here--I am sick of it. For Heaven's sake urge him to close +the bargain at once, for I want to take possession immediately. Neither +show nor speak to any one of what is written in the previous page of this +letter. I wish to prove to him in every respect that I am not so meanly +disposed as he is. Indeed I have written to him, although my resolve as to +the dissolution of our friendship remains firm and unchangeable. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +38. + +TO HERR RIES. + +Berlin, July 24, 1804. + +... You were no doubt not a little surprised about the affair with +Breuning; believe me, my dear friend, that the ebullition on my part was +only an outbreak caused by many previous scenes of a disagreeable nature. I +have the gift of being able to conceal and to repress my susceptibility on +many occasions; but if attacked at a time when I chance to be peculiarly +irritable, I burst forth more violently than any one. Breuning certainly +possesses many admirable qualities, but he thinks himself quite faultless; +whereas the very defects that he discovers in others are those which he +possesses himself to the highest degree. From my childhood I have always +despised his petty mind. My powers of discrimination enabled me to foresee +the result with Breuning, for our modes of thinking, acting, and feeling +are entirely opposite; and yet I believed that these difficulties might be +overcome, but experience has disproved this. So now I want no more of his +friendship! I have only found two friends in the world with whom I never +had a misunderstanding; but what men these were! One is dead, the other +still lives. Although for nearly six years past we have seen nothing of +each other, yet I know that I still hold the first place in his heart, as +he does in mine [see No. 12]. The true basis of friendship is to be found +in sympathy of heart and soul. I only wish you could have read the letter I +wrote to Breuning, and his to me. No! never can he be restored to his +former place in my heart. The man who could attribute to his friend so base +a mode of thinking, and could himself have recourse to so base a mode of +acting towards him, is no longer worthy of my friendship. + +Do not forget the affair of my apartments. Farewell! Do not be too much +addicted to tailoring,[1] remember me to the fairest of the fair, and send +me half a dozen needles. + +I never could have believed that I could be so idle as I am here. If this +be followed by a fit of industry, something worth while may be produced. + +_Vale!_ Your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Ries says, in Wegeler's _Biographical Notices_:--"Beethoven +never visited me more frequently than when I lived in the house of a +tailor, with three very handsome but thoroughly respectable daughters."] + + +39. + +TO MESSRS. ARTARIA & CO.[1] + +Vienna, June 1, 1805. + +I must inform you that the affair about the new quintet is settled between +Count Fries and myself. + +The Count has just assured me that he intends to make you a present of it; +it is too late to-day for a written agreement on the subject, but one shall +be sent early in the ensuing week. This intelligence must suffice for the +present, and I think I at all events deserve your thanks for it. + +Your obedient servant, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The quintet is probably not that in C, Op. 29, dedicated to +Count v. Fries, previously published in 1803 by Breitkopf & Härtel [see No. +27]. It is more likely that he alludes to a new quintet which the Count had +no doubt ordered.] + + +40. + +TO MADAME LA PRINCESSE LIECHTENSTEIN, &C.[1] + +November, 1805. + +Pray pardon me, illustrious Princess, if the bearer of this should cause +you an unpleasant surprise. Poor Ries, my scholar, is forced by this +unhappy war to shoulder a musket, and must moreover leave this in a few +days, being a foreigner. He has nothing, literally nothing, and is obliged +to take a long journey. All chance of a concert on his behalf is thus +entirely at an end, and he must have recourse to the benevolence of others. +I recommend him to you. I know you will forgive the step I have taken. A +noble-minded man would only have recourse to such measures in the most +utter extremity. Confident of this, I send the poor youth to you, in the +hope of somewhat improving his circumstances. He is forced to apply to all +who know him. + +I am, with the deepest respect, yours, + +L. VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Communicated by Ries himself, who, to Beethoven's extreme +indignation, did not deliver the note. See Wegeler's work, p. 134. The +following remark is added:--"Date unknown; written a few days before the +entrance of the French in 1805" (which took place Nov. 13). Ries, a native +of Bonn, was now a French subject, and recalled under the laws of +conscription. The Sonata, Op. 27, No. 1, is dedicated to Princess +Liechtenstein.] + + +41. + +TO HERR MEYER.[1] + +1805. + +DEAR MEYER,-- + +Pray try to persuade Herr v. Seyfried to direct my Opera, as I wish on this +occasion to see and hear it myself _from a distance_; in this way my +patience will at all events not be so severely tried as when I am close +enough to hear my music so bungled. I really do believe that it is done on +purpose to annoy me! I will say nothing of the wind-instruments; but all +_pp._'s, _cresc._, _discresc._, and all _f._'s and _ff._'s may as well be +struck out of my Opera, for no attention whatever is paid to them. I shall +lose all pleasure in composing anything in future, if I am to hear it given +thus. To-morrow or the day after I will come to fetch you to dinner. To-day +I am again unwell. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +If the Opera is to be performed the day after to-morrow, there must be +another private rehearsal to-morrow, or _each time it will be given worse +and worse_. + +[Footnote 1: Meyer, the husband of Mozart's eldest sister-in-law, Josepha +(Hofer's widow), sang the part of Pizarro at the first performance of +_Fidelio_, Nov. 20, 1805, and also at a later period. Seyfried was at that +time Kapellmeister at the Theatre "an der Wien."] + + +42. + +TESTIMONIAL FOR C. CZERNY. + +Vienna, Dec. 7, 1805. + +I, the undersigned, am glad to bear testimony to young Carl Czerny having +made the most extraordinary progress on the pianoforte, far beyond what +might be expected at the age of fourteen. I consider him deserving of all +possible assistance, not only from what I have already referred to, but +from his astonishing memory, and more especially from his parents having +spent all their means in cultivating the talent of their promising son. + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +43. + +TO HERR RÖCKEL.[1] + +DEAR RÖCKEL,-- + +Be sure that you arrange matters properly with Mdlle. Milder, and say to +her previously from me, that I hope she will not sing anywhere else. I +intend to call on her to-morrow, to kiss the hem of her garment. Do not +also forget Marconi, and forgive me for giving you so much trouble. + +Yours wholly, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Röckel, in 1806 tenor at the Theatre "an der Wien," sang the +part of Florestan in the spring of that year, when _Fidelio_ was revived. +Mdlle. Milder, afterwards Mdme. Hauptmann, played Leonore; Mdme. Marconi +was also prima donna.] + + +44. + +TO HERR COLLIN,[1] COURT SECRETARY AND POET. + +MY ESTEEMED COLLIN,-- + +I hear that you are about to fulfil my greatest wish and your own purpose. +Much as I desire to express my delight to you in person, I cannot find time +to do so, having so much to occupy me. Pray do not then ascribe this to any +want of proper attention towards you. I send you the "Armida"; as soon as +you have entirely done with it, pray return it, as it does not belong to +me. I am, with sincere esteem, + +Yours, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Collin, Court Secretary, was the author of _Coriolanus_, a +tragedy for which Beethoven in 1807 wrote the celebrated Overture dedicated +to that poet. According to Reichardt, Collin offered the libretto of +_Bradamante_ to Beethoven in 1808, which Reichardt subsequently composed. +This note evidently refers to a _libretto_.] + + +45. + +TO HERR GLEICHENSTEIN.[1] + +I should like very much, my good Gleichenstein, to speak to you this +forenoon between one and two o'clock, or in the afternoon, and where you +please. To-day I am too busy to call early enough to find you at home. Give +me an answer, and don't forget to appoint the place for us to meet. +Farewell, and continue your regard for your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Probably in reference to a conference with regard to a +contract for the publication of his works, Op. 58, 59, 60, 61, and 62, that +Beethoven had made on the 20th April, 1807, with Muzio Clementi, who had +established a large music firm in London; it was also signed by Baron +Gleichen. + +Beethoven's first intention was to dedicate Op. 58 to him, which is evident +from a large page in Schindler's work, on which is written in bold +characters, by the master's own hand, "_Quatrième Concerto pour le Piano, +avec accompagnement, etc., dédié à son ami Gleichenstein_," &c. The name of +the Archduke Rudolph had been previously written, and was eventually +adopted, and Gleichenstein afterwards received the dedication of the Grand +Sonata with violoncello, Op. 69.] + + +46. + +TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE COURT THEATRE.[1] + +Vienna, December, 1807. + +The undersigned has cause to flatter himself that during the period of his +stay in Vienna he has gained some favor and approbation from the highest +nobility, as well as from the public at large, his works having met with an +honorable reception both in this and other countries. Nevertheless he has +had difficulties of every kind to contend against, and has not hitherto +been so fortunate as to acquire a position that would enable him _to live +solely for art_, and to develop his talents to a still higher degree of +perfection, which ought to be the aim of every artist, thus ensuring future +independence instead of mere casual profits. + +The mere wish _to gain a livelihood_ has never been the leading clew that +has hitherto guided the undersigned on his path. His great aim has been the +_interest of art_ and the ennobling of taste, while his genius, soaring to +a higher ideal and greater perfection, frequently compelled him to +sacrifice his talents and profits to the Muse. Still works of this kind won +for him a reputation in distant lands, securing him the most favorable +reception in various places of distinction, and a position befitting his +talents and acquirements. + +The undersigned does not, however, hesitate to say that this city is above +all others the most precious and desirable in his eyes, owing to the number +of years he has lived here, the favor and approval he has enjoyed from both +high and low, and his wish fully to realize the expectations he has had the +good fortune to excite, but most of all, he may truly say, from his +_patriotism as a German_. Before, therefore, making up his mind to leave a +place so dear to him, he begs to refer to a hint which the reigning Prince +Lichnowsky was so kind as to give him, to the effect that the directors of +the theatre were disposed to engage the undersigned on reasonable +conditions in the service of their theatre, and to ensure his remaining in +Vienna by securing to him a permanent position, more propitious to the +further exercise of his talents. As this assurance is entirely in +accordance with the wishes of the undersigned, he takes the liberty, with +all due respect, to place before the directors his readiness to enter into +such an engagement, and begs to state the following conditions for their +gracious consideration. + +1. The undersigned undertakes and pledges himself to compose each year at +least _one grand opera_, to be selected by the directors and himself; in +return for this he demands a _fixed salary_ of 2400 florins a year, and +also a free benefit at the third performance of each such opera. + +2. He also agrees to supply the directors annually with a little _operetta_ +or a _divertissement_, with choruses or occasional music of the kind, as +may be required, _gratis_; he feels confident that on the other hand the +directors will not refuse, in return for these various labors, to grant him +_a benefit concert_ at all events once a year in one of the theatres. +Surely the above conditions cannot be thought exorbitant or unreasonable, +when the expenditure of time and energy entailed by the production of an +_opera_ is taken into account, as it entirely excludes the possibility of +all other mental exertion; in other places, too, the author and his family +have a share in the profits of every individual performance, so that even +_one_ successful work at once ensures the future fortunes of the composer. +It must also be considered how prejudicial the present rate of exchange is +to artists here, and likewise the high price of the necessaries of life, +while a residence in foreign countries is open to them. + +But in any event, whether the directors accede to or decline this present +proposal, the undersigned ventures to request that he may be permitted to +give a concert for his own benefit in one of the theatres. For if his +conditions be accepted, the undersigned must devote all his time and +talents to the composition of such an opera, and thus be prevented working +in any other way for profit. In case of the non-acceptance of these +proposals, as the concert he was authorized to give last year did not take +place owing to various obstacles, he would entreat, as a parting token of +the favor hitherto vouchsafed to him, that the promise of last year may now +be fulfilled. In the former case, he would beg to suggest _Annunciation +Day_ [March 25.] for his concert, and in the latter a day during the +ensuing Christmas vacation. + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, M.P. + +[_Manu propria._] + +[Footnote 1: This application was fruitless. See Reichardt's _Vertraute +Briefe_. "These two (Lobkowitz and Esterhazy) are the heads of the great +theatrical direction, which consists entirely of princes and counts, who +conduct all the large theatres on their own account and at their own risk." +The close of this letter shows that it was written in December.] + + +47. + +TO COUNT FRANZ VON OPPERSDORF.[1] + +Vienna, Nov. 1, 1808 [_sic!_]. + +MY DEAR COUNT,-- + +I fear you will look on me with displeasure when I tell you that necessity +compelled me not only to dispose of the symphony I wrote for you, but to +transfer another also to some one else. Be assured, however, that you shall +soon receive the one I intend for you. I hope that both you and the +Countess, to whom I beg my kind regards, have been well since we met. I am +at this moment staying with Countess Erdödy in the apartments below those +of Prince Lichnowsky. I mention this in case you do me the honor to call on +me when you are in Vienna. My circumstances are improving, without having +recourse to the intervention of people _who treat their friends +insultingly_. I have also the offer of being made _Kapellmeister_ to the +King of Westphalia, and it is possible that I may accept the proposal. +Farewell, and sometimes think of your attached friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The fourth Symphony is dedicated to Count Oppersdorf.] + + +48.[1] + +I fear I am too late for to-day, but I have only now been able to get back +your memorial from C----, because H---- wished to add various items here +and there. I do beg of you to dwell chiefly on the great importance to me +of adequate opportunities to exercise my art; by so doing you will write +what is most in accordance with my head and my heart. The preamble must set +forth what I am to have in Westphalia--600 ducats in gold, 150 ducats for +travelling expenses; all I have to do in return for this sum being to +direct the King's [Jerome's] concerts, which are short and few in number. I +am not even bound to direct any opera I may write. So, thus freed from all +care, I shall be able to devote myself entirely to the most important +object of my art--to write great works. An orchestra is also to be placed +at my disposition. + +N.B. As member of a theatrical association, the title need not be insisted +on, as it can produce nothing but annoyance. With regard to the _Imperial +service_, I think that point requires delicate handling, and not less so +the solicitation for the title of _Imperial Kapellmeister_. It must, +however, be made quite clear that I am to receive a sufficient salary from +the Court to enable me to renounce the annuity which I at present receive +from the gentlemen in question [the Archduke Rudolph, Prince Kinsky, and +Prince Lobkowitz], which I think will be most suitably expressed by my +stating that it is my hope, and has ever been my most ardent wish, to enter +the Imperial service, when I shall be ready to give up as much of the above +salary as the sum I am to receive from His Imperial Majesty amounts to. +(N.B. We must have it to-morrow at twelve o'clock, as we go to Kinsky then. +I hope to see you to-day.) + +[Footnote 1: This note, now first published, refers to the call Beethoven +had received, mentioned in the previous No. The sketch of the memorial that +follows is not, however, in Beethoven's writing, and perhaps not even +composed by him [see also No. 46]. It is well known that the Archduke +Rudolph, Prince Kinsky, and Prince Lobkowitz had secured to the _maestro_ a +salary of 4000 gulden.] + + +49. + +The aim and endeavor of every true artist must be to acquire a position in +which he can occupy himself exclusively with the accomplishment of great +works, undisturbed by other avocations or by considerations of economy. A +composer, therefore, can have no more ardent wish than to devote himself +wholly to the creation of works of importance, to be produced before the +public. He must also keep in view the prospect of old age, in order to make +a sufficient provision for that period. + +The King of Westphalia has offered Beethoven a salary of 600 gold ducats +for life, and 150 ducats for travelling expenses, in return for which his +sole obligations are, occasionally to play before His Majesty, and to +conduct his chamber concerts, which are both few and short. This proposal +is of a most beneficial nature both to art and the artist. + +Beethoven, however, much prefers a residence in this capital, feeling so +much gratitude for the many proofs of kindness he has received in it, and +so much patriotism for his adopted father-land, that he will never cease to +consider himself an Austrian artist, nor take up his abode elsewhere, if +anything approaching to the same advantages are conferred on him here. + +As many persons of high, indeed of the very highest rank, have requested +him to name the conditions on which he would be disposed to remain here, in +compliance with their wish he states as follows:-- + +1. Beethoven must receive from some influential nobleman security for a +permanent salary for life: various persons of consideration might +contribute to make up the amount of this salary, which, at the present +increased price of all commodities, must not consist of less than 4000 +florins _per annum_. Beethoven's wish is that the donors of this sum should +be considered as cooperating in the production of his future great works, +by thus enabling him to devote himself entirely to these labors, and by +relieving him from all other occupations. + +2. Beethoven must always retain the privilege of travelling in the +interests of art, for in this way alone can he make himself known, and +acquire some fortune. + +3. His most ardent desire and eager wish is to be received into the +Imperial service, when such an appointment would enable him partly or +wholly to renounce the proposed salary. In the mean time the title of +_Imperial Kapellmeister_ would be very gratifying to him; and if this wish +could be realized, the value of his abode here would be much enhanced in +his eyes. + +If his desire be fulfilled, and a salary granted by His Majesty to +Beethoven, he will renounce so much of the said 4000 florins as the +Imperial salary shall amount to; or if this appointment be 4000 florins, he +will give up the whole of the former sum. + +4. As Beethoven wishes from time to time to produce before the public at +large his new great works, he desires an assurance from the present +directors of the theatre on their part, and that of their successors, that +they will authorize him to give a concert for his own benefit every year on +Palm Sunday, in the Theatre "an der Wien." In return for which Beethoven +agrees to arrange and direct an annual concert for the benefit of the poor, +or, if this cannot be managed, at all events to furnish a new work of his +own for such a concert. + + +50. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +December, 1808. + +MY EXCELLENT FRIEND,-- + +All would go well now if we had only a curtain, without it the _Aria_ ["Ah! +Perfido"] _will be a failure_.[1] I only heard this to-day from S. +[Seyfried], and it vexes me much: a curtain of any kind will do, even a +bed-curtain, or merely a _kind of gauze screen_, which could be instantly +removed. There must be something; for the Aria is in the _dramatic style_, +and better adapted for the stage than for effect in a concert-room. +_Without a curtain, or something of the sort, the Aria will be devoid of +all meaning, and ruined! ruined! ruined!! Devil take it all!_ The Court +will probably be present. Baron Schweitzer [Chamberlain of the Archduke +Anton] requested me earnestly to make the application myself. Archduke Carl +granted me an audience and promised to come. The Empress _neither promised +nor refused_. + +A hanging curtain!!!! or the Aria and I will both be hanged to-morrow. +Farewell! I embrace you as cordially on this new year as in the old one. +_With or without a curtain!_ Your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Reichardt, in his _Vertraute Briefe_ relates among other +things about the concert given by Beethoven in the Royal Theatre "an der +Wien," Oct. 22, 1808, as follows:--"Poor Beethoven, who derived from this +concert the first and only net profits which accrued to him during the +whole year, met with great opposition and very slender support in arranging +and carrying it out. First came the _Pastoral Symphony; or, Reminiscences +of Rural Life_; then followed, as the sixth piece, a long Italian _scena_, +sung by Demoiselle Killitzky, a lovely Bohemian with a lovely voice." The +above note [to Zmeskall?] certainly refers to this concert.] + + +51. + +TO FERDINAND RIES.[1] + +1809. + +MY DEAR FELLOW,-- + +Your friends have at any rate given you very bad advice; but I know all +about them: they are the very same to whom you sent that fine news about me +from Paris; the very same who inquired about my age--information that you +contrived to supply so correctly!--the very same who have often before +injured you in my opinion, but now permanently. Farewell! + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Ries himself gives the date of this note as 1809, though he +cannot recall what gave rise to it. It is probably connected with a fact +mentioned by Wegeler, p. 95, that Reichardt, who was at that time in +Vienna, had advised Beethoven's young pupil, Ries, to apply to the King of +Westphalia for the appointment of Kapellmeister, which he had recently +given up. This was reported to Beethoven, and roused his ire. Ries, too, +had written from Paris that the taste in music there was very indifferent; +that Beethoven's works were little known or played in that city. Beethoven +was also very susceptible with regard to his age. At the request of some of +Beethoven's friends, Ries, in 1806, obtained Beethoven's baptismal +certificate, and sent it to Vienna. But the _maestro's_ wrath on this +occasion passed away as quickly as usual.] + + +52. + +TO ZMESKALL.[1] + +March 7, 1809. + +It is just what I expected! As to the blows, that is rather far-fetched. +The story is at least three months' old, and very different from what he +now makes it out to be. The whole stupid affair was caused by a female +huckster and a couple of low fellows. I lose very little. He no doubt was +corrupted in the very house where I am now living. + +[Footnote 1: [See No. 10.] The notes to Zmeskall generally have the dates +written by himself. This one bears the date March 7, 1809. In all points +connected with domestic life, and especially in household matters and +discords, Zmeskall was always a kind and consolatory friend. Beethoven at +that time lived in the same house with Countess Erdödy. [See No. 74.]] + + +53. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +My most excellent, high, and well-born Herr v. Zmeskall, Court Secretary +and Member of the Society of the Single Blessed,--If I come to see you +to-day, ascribe it to the fact that a person wishes to speak to me at your +house whom I could not refuse to see. I come without any _card_ from you, +but I hope you will not on that account _discard_ me. + +Yours truly--most truly, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +54. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +It seems to me, dear Zmeskall, if war really does break out, when it comes +to an end you will be the very man for an appointment in the Peace +Legation. What a glorious office!!! I leave it entirely to you to do the +best you can about my servant, only henceforth Countess Erdödy must not +attempt to exercise the smallest influence over him. She says she made him +a present of twenty-five florins, and gave him five florins a month, solely +to induce him to stay with me. I cannot refuse to believe this trait of +generosity, but I do not choose that it should be repeated. Farewell! I +thank you for your friendship, and hope soon to see you. + +Yours ever, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +55. + +TO ZMESKALL.[1] + +April 16, 1809. + +If I cannot come to-day, dear Zmeskall which is very possible, ask Baroness +von ---- [name illegible] to give you the pianoforte part of the Trios, and +be so good as to send them and the other parts to me to-day. + +In haste, your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: April 16, 1809. By the Terzetts he no doubt means the Trios, +Op. 70, dedicated to Countess Erdödy.] + + +56. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +April 17, 1809. + +DEAR Z.,-- + +A suitable lodging has just been found out for me, but I need some one to +help me in the affair. I cannot employ my brother, because he only +recommends what costs least money. Let me know, therefore, if we can go +together to look at the house. It is in the Klepperstall.[1] + +[Footnote 1: An der Mölker Bastei.] + + +57. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +April 25, 1809. + +I shall be glad, right glad, to play. I send you the violoncello part; if +you find that you can manage it, play it yourself, or let old Kraft[1] do +so. I will tell you about the lodging when we meet. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Anton Kraft (and likewise his son, Nicolaus Kraft) was a most +admirable violoncello-player, with whom Beethoven from the earliest days of +his residence in Vienna had played a great deal at Prince Lichnowsky's. +Kraft was at that time in Prince Lobkowitz's band.] + + +58. + +TO ZMESKALL.[1] + +May 14, 1809. + +MY DEAR LITTLE MUSICAL OLD COUNT!-- + +I think after all it would be advisable to let old Kraft play, as the trios +are to be heard for the first time (in society), and you can play them +afterwards; but I leave it all to your own option. If you meet with any +difficulties, one of which may possibly be that Kraft and S. [Schuppanzigh] +do not harmonize well together, then Herr v. Zmeskall must distinguish +himself, not as a mere musical Count, but as an energetic musician. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Kraft and Schuppanzigh were then each giving quartet +_soirées_.] + + +59. + +TO FREIHERR V. HAMMER-PURGSTALL.[1] + +1809. + +I feel almost ashamed of your complaisance and kindness in permitting me to +see the MS. of your as yet unknown literary treasures. Pray receive my +sincere thanks. I also beg to return both your operettas. Wholly engrossed +by my professional avocations, it is impossible for me to give an opinion, +especially with regard to the Indian Operetta; as soon as time permits, I +will call on you for the purpose of discussing this subject, and also the +Oratorio of "The Deluge." Pray always include me among the warm admirers of +your great talents. + +I am, sir, with sincere esteem, your obedient + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: I see in Schindler's _Beethoven_, that he wished to have "an +Indian Chorus of a religious character" from this renowned Orientalist, +who, in sending his _Persian Operetta_, written "rather with an ideal than +a musical object," and likewise an oratorio, _The Deluge_, +remarks:--"Should you not find these works in all respects executed quite +to your taste, still I feel convinced that through the genius of a +Beethoven alone can music portray the rising of the great flood and the +pacifying of the surging waters."] + + +60. + +TO FREIHERR V. HAMMER-PURGSTALL.[1] + +1809. + +Forgive me, my dear H----, for not having brought you the letter for Paris. +I have been, and still am, so much occupied, that day after day I am +obliged to delay writing it, but you shall have it to-morrow, even if I am +unable to come myself to see you, which I am most anxious to do. + +There is another matter that I would most earnestly press on you; perhaps +you might succeed in doing something for a _poor unfortunate man_. I allude +to Herr Stoll, son of the celebrated physician. With many persons the +question is whether a man has been ruined by his own fault or by that of +others, but this is not so with either you or me; it is sufficient that +Stoll is unfortunate, and looks on a journey to Paris as his sole resource, +having last year made many influential acquaintances, who, when he goes +there, are to endeavor to procure him a professorship in Westphalia. Stoll +has therefore applied to Herr v. Neumann, in the State Chancery Office, to +send him with a government courier to Paris, but the latter refuses to take +him for less than twenty-five louis d'or. Now I request you, my dear +friend, to speak to Herr v. Neumann to arrange, if possible, that the +courier should either take Stoll _gratis_, or for a small sum. I am +persuaded that if there is nothing particular against it, you will be glad +to interest yourself in poor Stoll. I return to the country to-day, but +hope soon to be so fortunate as to enjoy an hour of your society. In the +mean time I send you my best wishes, and beg you will believe in the +sincere esteem of + +Your obedient + +LUDWIG v. BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Reichardt states that Stoll was in Vienna in the spring of +1809, which fixes the date of this letter. Napoleon bestowed a pension on +the young poet (who appears to have gone to Paris), mistaking him for his +father, the celebrated physician.] + + +61. + +TO BARONESS VON DROSSDICK. + +MY ESTEEMED THÉRÈSE,-- + +You will receive with this what I promised. Had not many serious obstacles +intervened, I would have sent you more, in order to show you that where my +friends are concerned _I always perform more than I promise_. I hope, and +do not doubt, that you are agreeably occupied and enjoying society, but not +too much, I trust, to prevent your thinking of us. It would show too much +confidence in you, or too high an estimation of my own merits, were I to +attribute the sentiment to you, "That people are not together only when +present, but that the absent and the dead also live with us." Who could +ascribe such a thought to the volatile Thérèse, who takes the world so +lightly? Among your various occupations, do not forget the piano, or +rather, music in general, for which you have so fine a talent: why not then +seriously cultivate it? You, who have so much feeling for the good and the +beautiful, should strive to recognize the perfections of so charming an +art, which in return always casts so bright a reflection on us. + +I live in entire quiet and solitude, and even though occasional flashes of +light arouse me, still since you all left this I feel a hopeless void which +even my art, usually so faithful to me, has not yet triumphed over. Your +pianoforte is ordered, and you shall soon have it. What a difference you +must have discovered between the treatment of the theme I extemporized on +the other evening and the mode in which I have recently written it out for +you? You must explain this yourself, only do not find the solution in the +punch! How happy you are to get away so soon to the country! I cannot enjoy +this luxury till the 8th. I look forward to it with the delight of a child. +What happiness I shall feel in wandering among groves and woods, and among +trees, and plants, and rocks! No man on earth can love the country as I do! +Thickets, trees, and rocks supply the echo man longs for! + +You shall soon receive some more of my compositions, which will not cause +you to complain so much of difficulties. Have you read Goethe's "Wilhelm +Meister," and Schlegel's "Translations of Shakspeare"? People have so much +leisure in the country, that perhaps you would like me to send you these +works? It happens that I have an acquaintance in your neighborhood; so +perhaps you may see me some morning early for half an hour, after which I +must be off again. You will also observe that I intend to bore you for as +short a time as possible.[1] + +Commend me to the regard of your father and mother, though I have as yet no +right to claim it. Remember me also to your cousin M. [Mathilde]. Farewell, +my esteemed Thérèse; I wish you all the good and charm that life can offer. +Think of me kindly, and forget my follies. Rest assured that no one would +more rejoice to hear of your happiness, even were you to feel no interest +in your devoted servant and friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +N.B. It would be very amiable in you to write me a few lines, to say if I +can be of any use to you here. + +[Footnote 1: Herr v. Malfatti Rohrenbach, nephew of the renowned physician +who was so prominent in Beethoven's last illness, lately related to me in +Vienna as follows:--Beethoven went to pay a visit to young Frau Thérèse, +Baroness Drossdick, at Mödling, but not finding her at home, he tore a +sheet of music-paper out of a book, and wrote some music to a verse of +Matthisson's, and on the other side, inscribed, in large letters, "To my +dear Thérèse." The "Mathilde" mentioned farther on was, according to +Bärmann, a Baroness Gleichenstein. [See No. 45.]] + + +62. + +À MDLLE. MDLLE. DE GERARDI.[1] + +DEAR MDLLE. G.,-- + +I cannot with truth deny that the verses you sent have considerably +embarrassed me. It causes a strange sensation to see and hear yourself +praised, and yet to be conscious of your own defects, as I am. I consider +such occurrences as mere incitements to strive to draw nearer the +unattainable goal set before us by Art and Nature, difficult as it may be. +These verses are truly beautiful, with the exception of one fault that we +often find in poets, which is, their being misled by Fancy to believe that +they really do see and hear _what they wish to see and hear_, and yet even +this is far below their ideal. You may well believe that I wish to become +acquainted with the poet or poetess; pray receive also yourself my thanks +for the kindly feeling you show towards your sincere friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Nothing has hitherto been ascertained respecting either the +date of this note, or the lady to whom it is addressed.] + + +63. + +TO ZMESKALL.[1] + +January 23, 1810. + +What are you about? My gayety yesterday, though only assumed, has not only +vexed but offended you. The _uninvited guests_ seemed so little to deserve +your ill-humor, that I endeavored to use all my friendly influence to +prevent your giving way to it, by my pretended flow of spirits. I am still +suffering from indigestion. Say whether you can meet me at the "Swan" +to-day. + +Your true friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The cause that gave rise to this note is not known.] + + +64. + +TO WEGELER. + +Vienna, May 2, 1810. + +MY DEAR OLD FRIEND,-- + +These lines may very possibly cause you some surprise, and yet, though you +have no written proof of it, I always retain the most lively remembrance of +you. Among my MSS. is one that has long been destined for you, and which +you shall certainly receive this summer. For the last two years my secluded +and quiet life has been at an end, and I have been forcibly drawn into the +vortex of the world; though as yet I have attained no good result from +this,--nay, perhaps rather the reverse,--but who has not been affected by +the storms around us? Still I should not only be happy, but the happiest of +men, if a demon had not taken up his settled abode in my ears. Had I not +somewhere read that man must not voluntarily put an end to his life while +he can still perform even one good deed, I should long since have been no +more, and by my own hand too! Ah! how fair is life; but for me it is +forever poisoned! + +You will not refuse me one friendly service, which is to procure me my +baptismal certificate. As Steffen Breuning has an account with you, he can +pay any expenses you may incur, and I will repay him here. If you think it +worth while to make the inquiry in person, and choose to make a journey +from Coblenz to Bonn, you have only to charge it all to me. I must, +however, warn you that I had an _elder brother_ whose name was also Ludwig, +with the second name of _Maria_, who died. In order to know my precise age, +the date of my birth must be first ascertained, this circumstance having +already led others into error, and caused me to be thought older than I +really am. Unluckily, I lived for some time without myself knowing my age +[see Nos. 26 and 51]. I had a book containing all family incidents, but it +has been lost, Heaven knows how! So pardon my urgently requesting you to +try to discover _Ludwig Maria's_ birth, as well as that of the present +Ludwig. The sooner you can send me the certificate of baptism the more +obliged shall I be.[1] I am told that you sing one of my songs in your +Freemason Lodge, probably the one in E major, which I have not myself got; +send it to me, and I promise to compensate you threefold and fourfold.[2] +Think of me with kindness, little as I apparently deserve it. Embrace your +dear wife and children, and all whom you love, in the name of your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Wegeler says:--"I discovered the solution of the enigma (why +the baptismal certificate was so eagerly sought) from a letter written to +me three months afterwards by my brother-in-law, Stephan von Breuning, in +which he said: 'Beethoven tells me at least once a week that he means to +write to you; but I believe his _intended marriage is broken off_; he +therefore feels no ardent inclination to thank you for having procured his +baptismal certificate.'"] + +[Footnote 2: Beethoven was mistaken; Wegeler had only supplied other music +to the words of Matthisson's _Opfer Lied_.] + + +65. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +July 9, 1810. + +DEAR Z.,-- + +You are about to travel, and so am I on account of my health. In the mean +time all goes topsy-turvy with me. The _Herr_[1] wants to have me with him, +and Art is not less urgent in her claims. I am partly in Schönbrunn and +partly here; every day assailed by messages from strangers and new +acquaintances, and even as regards art I am often driven nearly distracted +by my undeserved fame. Fortune seeks me, and for that very reason I almost +dread some new calamity. As for your "Iphigénie," the facts are these. I +have not seen it for the last two years and a half, and have no doubt lent +it to some one; but to whom?--that is the question. I have sent in all +directions, and have not yet discovered it, but hope still to find it. If +lost, you shall be indemnified. Farewell, my dear Z. I trust that when we +meet again you will find that my art has made some progress in the interim. + +Ever remain my friend, as much as I am yours, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The "Herr" is his pupil, the Archduke Rudolph.] + + +66. + +TO BETTINA BRENTANO.[1] + +Vienna, August 11, 1810. + +MY DEAREST FRIEND,-- + +Never was there a lovelier spring than this year; I say so, and feel it +too, because it was then I first knew you. You have yourself seen that in +society I am like a fish on the sand, which writhes and writhes, but cannot +get away till some benevolent Galatea casts it back into the mighty ocean. +I was indeed fairly stranded, dearest friend, when surprised by you at a +moment in which moroseness had entirely mastered me; but how quickly it +vanished at your aspect! I was at once conscious that you came from another +sphere than this absurd world, where, with the best inclinations, I cannot +open my ears. I am a wretched creature, and yet I complain of others!! You +will forgive this from the goodness of heart that beams in your eyes, and +the good sense manifested by your ears; at least they understand how to +flatter, by the mode in which they listen. My ears are, alas! a +partition-wall, through which I can with difficulty hold any intercourse +with my fellow-creatures. Otherwise, perhaps, I might have felt more +assured with you; but I was only conscious of the full, intelligent glance +from your eyes, which affected me so deeply that never can I forget it. My +dear friend! dearest girl!--Art! who comprehends it? with whom can I +discuss this mighty goddess? How precious to me were the few days when we +talked together, or, I should rather say, corresponded! I have carefully +preserved the little notes with your clever, charming, most charming +answers; so I have to thank my defective hearing for the greater part of +our fugitive intercourse being written down. Since you left this I have had +some unhappy hours,--hours of the deepest gloom, when I could do nothing. +I wandered for three hours in the Schönbrunn Allée after you left us, but +no _angel_ met me there to take possession of me as you did. Pray forgive, +my dear friend, this deviation from the original key, but I must have such +intervals as a relief to my heart. You have no doubt written to Goethe +about me? I would gladly bury my head in a sack, so that I might neither +see nor hear what goes on in the world, because I shall meet you there no +more; but I shall get a letter from you? Hope sustains me, as it does half +the world; through life she has been my close companion, or what would have +become of me? I send you "Kennst Du das Land," written with my own hand, as +a remembrance of the hour when I first knew you; I send you also another +that I composed since I bade you farewell, my dearest, fairest sweetheart! + + Herz, mein Herz, was soll das geben, + Was bedränget dich so sehr; + Welch ein neues fremdes Leben, + Ich erkenne dich nicht mehr. + +Now answer me, my dearest friend, and say what is to become of me since my +heart has turned such a rebel. Write to your most faithful friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The celebrated letters to Bettina are given here exactly as +published in her book, _Ilius Pamphilius und die Ambrosia_ (Berlin, Arnim, +1857) in two volumes. I never myself had any doubts of their being genuine +(with the exception of perhaps some words in the middle of the third +letter), nor can any one now distrust them, especially after the +publication of _Beethoven's Letters_. But for the sake of those for whom +the weight of innate conviction is not sufficient proof, I may here mention +that in December, 1864, Professor Moritz Carrière, in Munich, when +conversing with me about _Beethoven's Letters_, expressly assured me that +these three letters were genuine, and that he had seen them in Berlin at +Bettina v. Arnim's in 1839, and read them most attentively and with the +deepest interest. From their important contents, he urged their immediate +publication; and when this shortly after ensued, no change whatever struck +him as having been made in the original text; on the contrary, he still +perfectly remembered that the much-disputed phraseology (and especially the +incident with Goethe) was precisely the same as in the originals. This +testimony seems to me the more weighty, as M. Carrière must not in such +matters be looked on as a novice, but as a competent judge, who has +carefully studied all that concerns our literary heroes, and who would not +permit anything to be falsely imputed to Beethoven any more than to Goethe. +Beethoven's biography is, however, the proper place to discuss more closely +such things, especially his character and his conduct in this particular +case. At present we only refer in general terms to the first chapter of +_Beethoven's Jugend_, which gives all the facts connected with these +letters to Bettina and the following ones--a characteristic likeness of +Beethoven thus impressed itself on the mind of the biographer, and was +reproduced in a few bold outlines in his _Biography_. These letters could +not, however, possibly be given _in extenso_ in a general introduction to a +comprehensive biography.] + + +67. + +TO BETTINA BRENTANO. + +Vienna, Feb. 10, 1811. + +DEAR AND BELOVED FRIEND,-- + +I have now received two letters from you, while those to Tonie show that +you still remember me, and even too kindly. I carried your letter about +with me the whole summer, and it often made me feel very happy; though I do +not frequently write to you, and you never see me, still I write you +letters by thousands in my thoughts. I can easily imagine what you feel at +Berlin in witnessing all the noxious frivolity of the world's rabble,[1] +even had you not written it to me yourself. Such prating about art, and yet +no results!!! The best description of this is to be found in Schiller's +poem "Die Flüsse," where the river Spree is supposed to speak. You are +going to be married, my dear friend, or are already so, and I have had no +chance of seeing you even once previously. May all the felicity that +marriage ever bestowed on husband and wife attend you both! What can I say +to you of myself? I can only exclaim with Johanna, "Compassionate my fate!" +If I am spared for some years to come, I will thank the Omniscient, the +Omnipotent, for the boon, as I do for all other weal and woe. If you +mention me when you write to Goethe, strive to find words expressive of my +deep reverence and admiration. I am about to write to him myself with +regard to "Egmont," for which I have written some music solely from my love +for his poetry, which always delights me. Who can be sufficiently grateful +to a great poet,--the most precious jewel of a nation! Now no more, my dear +sweet friend! I only came home this morning at four o'clock from an orgy, +where I laughed heartily, but to-day I feel as if I could weep as sadly; +turbulent pleasures always violently recoil on my spirits. As for Clemens +[Brentano, her brother], pray thank him for his complaisance; with regard +to the Cantata, the subject is not important enough for us here--it is very +different in Berlin; and as for my affection, the sister engrosses so large +a share, that little remains for the brother. Will he be content with this? + +Now farewell, my dear, dear friend; I imprint a sorrowful kiss on your +forehead, thus impressing my thoughts on it as with a seal. Write soon, +very soon, to your brother, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: An expression which, as well as many others, he no doubt +borrowed from Bettina, and introduced to please her.] + + +68. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +1811. + +I am disposed to engage a man who has just offered me his services,--a +music-copyist. His parents live in Vienna, which might be convenient in +many respects, but I first wish to speak to you about the terms; and as you +are disengaged to-morrow, which I, _alas_! am every day, I beg you will +take coffee with me in the afternoon, when we can discuss the matter, and +then proceed from _words to deeds_. We have also the honor to inform you +that we intend shortly to confer on you some of the decorations of the +Order of our Household,--the first class for yourself, the others for any +one you choose, except a priest. We shall expect your answer early +to-morrow. We now present you with some blotches of ink. Your + +BEETHOVEN. + + +69. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +1811. + +MOST HIGH-BORN OF MEN!-- + +We beg you to confer some goose-quills on us; we will in return send you a +whole bunch of the same sort, that you may not be obliged to pluck out your +own. It is just possible that you may yet receive the Grand Cross of the +Order of the Violoncello. We remain your gracious and most friendly of all +friends, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +70. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.[1] + +The Spring of 1811. + +YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS,-- + +As in spite of every effort I can find no copyist to write in my house, I +send you my own manuscript; all you have to do is to desire Schlemmer to +get you an efficient copyist, who must, however, write out the Trio in your +palace, otherwise there would be no security against piracy. I am better, +and hope to have the honor of waiting on you in the course of a few days, +when we must strive to make up for lost time. I always feel anxious and +uneasy when I do not attend your Royal Highness as often or as assiduously +as I wish. It is certainly the truth when I say that the loss is mine, but +I trust I shall not soon again be so unwell. Be graciously pleased to +remember me; the time may yet come when I shall be able to show you doubly +and trebly that I deserve this more than ever. + +I am your Royal Highness's devoted servant, + +LUDWIG V. BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Schlemmer was for many years Beethoven's copyist.] + + +71. + +MY DEAR FRIEND,--[1] + +I have taken this trouble only that I might figure correctly, and thus be +able sometimes to lead others. As for mistakes, I scarcely ever required to +have them pointed out to me, having had from my childhood such a quick +perception, that I exercised it unconscious that it ought to be so, or in +fact could be otherwise. + +[Footnote 1: Written on a sheet of music-paper (oblong folio) numbered 22, +and evidently torn out of a large book. On the other side (21) is written, +in Beethoven's hand, instructions on the use of the fourth in retardations, +with five musical examples. The leaf is no doubt torn from one of the books +that Beethoven had compiled from various text-books, for the instruction of +the Archduke Rudolph. I have therefore placed Beethoven's remark here.] + + +72. + +TO THE DRAMATIC POET TREITSCHKE. + +June 6, 1811. + +DEAR TREITSCHKE,-- + +Have you read the book, and may I venture to hope that you will be +persuaded to undertake it? Be so good as to give me an answer, as I am +prevented going to you myself. If you have already read it, then send it +back to me, that I may also look over it again before you begin to work at +it. Above all, if it be your good pleasure that I should soar to the skies +on the wings of your poetry, I entreat you to effect this as soon as +possible. + +Your obedient servant, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +73. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Sept. 10, 1811. + +DEAR ZMESKALL,-- + +Let the rehearsal stand over for the present. I must see my doctor again +to-day, of whose bungling I begin to tire. Thanks for your metronome; let +us try whether we can measure Time into Eternity with it, for it is so +_simple_ and _easily managed_ that there seems to be no impediment to this! +In the mean time we will have a conference on the subject. The mathematical +precision of clockwork is of course greater; yet formerly, in watching the +little experiments you made in my presence, I thought there was something +worthy of notice in your metronome, and I hope we shall soon succeed in +_setting it thoroughly right_. Ere long I hope to see you. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +74. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Oct. 26, 1811. + +I shall be at the "Swan" to-day, and hope to meet you there _to a +certainty_, but don't come too late. My foot is better; the author of so +many poetical _feet_ promises the _head_ author a sound foot within a +week's time. + + +75. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Nov. 20, 1811. + +We are deucedly obliged to you. We beg you to be careful not to lose your +well-earned fame. You are exhorted to pursue the same course, and we remain +once more your deucedly attached + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +76. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Jan. 19, 1812. + +I shall be at the "Swan" to-day, dear Z. I have, alas! _too much_ leisure, +and you _none_! Your + +BEETHOVEN. + + +77. + +TO ZMESKALL.[1] + +1812. + +CONFOUNDED LITTLE QUONDAM MUSICAL COUNT! + +What the deuce has become of you? Are you to be at the "Swan" to-day? No? +... Yes! See from this enclosure what I have done for Hungary. When a +German undertakes a thing, even without pledging his word, he acts very +differently from one of those Hungarian Counts, such as B. [Brunswick], who +allowed me to travel by myself--from what paltry, miserable motive who can +tell?--and kept me waiting, though he did not wait for me! + +My excellent little quondam musical Count, + +I am now, as ever, your attached + +BEETHÖVERL. + +Return the enclosure, for we wish to bring it, and something else, pretty +forcibly under the notice of the Count. + +[Footnote 1: The date of this and the following note is decided by the +allusion to his compositions written for Hungary (Pesth). See the +subsequent letter to Varenna.] + + +78. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +You are summoned to appear to-day at the "Swan;" Brunswick also comes. If +you do not appear, you are henceforth excluded from all that concerns us. +Excuses _per excellentiam_ cannot be accepted. Obedience is enjoined, +knowing that we are acting for your benefit, and that our motive is to +guard you against temptations and faithlessness _per excellentiam--dixi_. + +BEETHOVEN. + + +79. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +DEAR ZMESKALL,-- + +The well-known watchmaker who lives close to the Freiung is to call on you. +I want a first-rate repeater, for which he asks forty ducats. As you like +that kind of thing, I beg you will exert yourself on my behalf, and select +a really good watch for me. + +With the most enthusiastic admiration for a man like yourself, who is soon +to give me an opportunity of displaying in his favor my particular +knowledge of horn-playing, I am your + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +80. + +TO KAMMERPROCURATOR VARENNA,--GRATZ.[1] + +1812. + +If the wish to benefit the poor were not so evident in your letter, I +should have felt not a little offended by your accompanying your request to +me by the offer of payment. From my childhood, whenever my art could be +serviceable to poor suffering humanity, I have never allowed any other +motive to influence me, and never required anything beyond the heartfelt +gratification that it always caused me. With this you will receive an +Oratorio--(A), the performance of which occupies half an evening, also an +Overture and a Fantasia with Chorus--(B). If in your benevolent institution +you possess a _dépôt_ for such things, I beg you will deposit these three +works there, as a mark of my sympathy for the destitute; to be considered +as their property, and to be given at any concerts intended for their sole +benefit. In addition to these, you will receive an Introduction to the +"Ruins of Athens," the score of which shall be written out for you as soon +as possible. Likewise a Grand Overture to "Ungarn's erste Wohlthäter" +[Hungary's First Benefactors]. + +Both form part of two works that I wrote for the Hungarians at the opening +of their new theatre [in Pesth]. Pray give me, however, your written +assurance that these works shall not be performed elsewhere, as they are +not published, nor likely to be so for some time to come. You shall receive +the latter Grand Overture as soon as it is returned to me from Hungary, +which it will be in the course of a few days. + +The engraved Fantasia with Chorus could no doubt be executed by a lady, an +amateur, mentioned to me here by Professor Schneller.[2] The words after +the Chorus No. 4, in C major, were altered by the publishers, and are now +quite contrary to the musical expression; those written in _pencil_, +therefore, on the music must be sung. If you can make use of the Oratorio, +I can send you _all the parts written out_, so that the outlay may be less +for the poor. Write to me about this. + +Your obedient + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The correspondence with Varenna, consisting of fourteen +letters and four notes, was purchased some years ago by a collector of +autographs in Leipzig, and sold again by public auction, probably to +different persons. It would be like pursuing leaves scattered by the wind +to try to recover these letters. Those here given have for the most part +appeared in newspapers; I cannot, therefore, be responsible for the text, +farther than their publication goes, which, however, has evidently been +conducted by a clever hand. The date of the first letter is to be gleaned +from the second, and we also learn from them that _The Ruins of Athens_ and +_King Stephen_ (or at all events the Overture) were already finished in +January, 1812.] + +[Footnote 2: This _dilettante_ was Mdlle. Marie Koschak, subsequently the +wife of Dr. Pachler, an advocate in Gratz, from whom two letters are given +by Schindler of the dates of August 15th, 1825, and November 5th, 1826, in +which she invites Beethoven to visit her in Gratz. Schindler considers as +applicable to this lady the words of a note in Beethoven's writing of which +he has given a fac-simile in his _Biography_, I. 95; the date 1817 or 1818. +They are as follows:--"Love alone, yes! love alone can make your life +happier. O God! grant that I may at last find her who can strengthen me in +virtue, whom I can legitimately call my own. On July 27th, when she drove +past me in Baden, she seemed to gaze at me." This lady also plays a +friendly part in Franz Schubert's _Life_. See her _Biography_ by Dr. +Kreissle.] + + +81. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Feb. 2, 1812. + +By no means _extraordinary_, but _very ordinary_ mender of pens! whose +talent has failed on this occasion (for those I send require to be fresh +mended), when do you intend at last to cast off your fetters?--when? You +never for a moment think of me; accursed to me is life amid this Austrian +barbarism. I shall go now chiefly to the "Swan," as in other taverns I +cannot defend myself against intrusion. Farewell! that is, _fare as well_ +as I wish you to do without + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +Most wonderful of men! We beg that your servant will engage a person to fit +up my apartment; as he is acquainted with the lodgings, he can fix the +proper price at once. Do this soon, you Carnival scamp!!!!!!! + +The enclosed note is at least a week old. + + +82. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Feb. 8, 1812. + +Most extraordinary and first and foremost man of the pendulum in the world, +and without a lever too!!! + +I am much indebted to you for having imparted to me some share of your +motive power. I wish to express my gratitude in person, and therefore +invite you this morning to come to the "Swan,"--a tavern, the name of which +itself shows that it is a fitting place when such a subject is in question, + +Yours ever, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +83. + +TO VARENNA,--GRATZ. + +Vienna, Feb. 8, 1812. + +Herr Rettich has already got the parts of the Oratorio, and when you no +longer require them I beg you will send them back to me. It is not probable +that anything is wanting, but even in that case, as you have the score, you +can easily remedy this. I only yesterday received the Overtures from +Hungary, and shall have them copied and forwarded to you as soon as +possible. I likewise send a March with a vocal Chorus, also from the "Ruins +of Athens." Altogether you will now have sufficient to fill up the time. + +As these pieces are only in manuscript, I shall let you know at the time I +send them what precautions I wish you to take with regard to the Overtures +and the March with Chorus. + +As I do not publish any new work until a year after its composition, and, +when I do so, am obliged invariably to give a written assurance to the +publisher that no one is in possession of it, you can yourself perceive +that I must carefully guard against any possible contingency or casualty as +to these pieces. I must, however, assure you that I shall always be +disposed to show the warmest zeal in aid of your charity, and I here pledge +myself to send you every year works that exist solely in manuscript, or +compositions written expressly for this charitable purpose. I beg you will +also let me know what your future plans are with regard to your +institution, that I may act accordingly. + +Farewell! I remain, with the highest consideration, + +Your obedient + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +84. + +TO ZMESKALL.[1] + +Feb. 19, 1812. + +DEAR Z.,-- + +I only yesterday received the written information that the Archduke pays +his share in the new paper-money of the full value [_Einlösungsschein_]. I +beg you will write out for me, as nearly as you can, the substance of what +you said on Sunday, and which we thought it advisable to send to the other +two. I am offered a certificate that the Archduke is to pay in +_Einlösungsschein_, but I think this unnecessary, more especially as the +people about Court, in spite of all their apparent friendship for me, +declare that my demands are _not just_!!!! O Heaven! aid me in enduring +this! I am no Hercules, to help Atlas in carrying the world, or to strive +to do so in his place. It was only yesterday that I heard the particulars +of the handsome manner in which Baron von Kraft had judged and spoken of me +to Zisius! But never mind, dear Z.! My endurance of these shameful attacks +cannot continue much longer; persecuted art will everywhere find an +asylum--Daedalus, though imprisoned in a labyrinth, found wings to carry +him aloft. Oh! I too shall find wings! + +Yours ever, + +BEETHOVEN. + +If you have time, send me this morning the draft of the memorial;--probably +for nothing, and to receive nothing! so much time is already lost, and only +to be kept in suspense by civil words! + +[Footnote 1: The Finance Patent appeared in Austria in 1811, by which the +value of money was depreciated by a fifth. This also affected the salary +that Beethoven drew from the Archduke Rudolph, Prince Kinsky, and Prince +Lobkowitz. The first of these gentlemen paid his full share in +_Einlösungsschein_. Lobkowitz, at the request of Beethoven, soon after did +the same; with Kinsky's share alone difficulties arose subsequently, owing +to his death.] + + +85. + +TO VARENNA. + +Lent, 1812. + +In spite of my anxiety to serve the cause of your charity, I have been +quite unable to do so. I have no copyist of my own to write for me as +formerly, and the limited time renders it impossible for me to do so +myself; thus I am obliged to have recourse to strangers as copyists. One of +these promised to write out the Overtures, &c., &c., for you; but Passion +Week intervening, when there are so many concerts, prevented his being able +to keep his word, in spite of every effort on my part. Even if the +Overtures and the March with Chorus were transcribed, it would not be +possible to send them by this post, and if we wait for the next, the music +will arrive too late for Easter Sunday. Let me know if there are any means +you could adopt to gain a little more time, or any chance opportunity of +sending these works to you, and I will do all that lies in my power to aid +the cause of your charity. + +I am, with esteem, yours obediently, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +86. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.[1] + +1812. + +YOUR IMPERIAL HIGHNESS,-- + +I was much vexed not to receive Y.I.H.'s message to come to you till very +late yesterday evening--indeed nearly at eleven o'clock. Contrary to my +usual custom, I did not go home at all during the afternoon, the fine +weather having tempted me to spend the whole afternoon in walking, and the +evening at the Banda, "auf der Wieden," and thus I was not aware of your +wish till I returned home. In the mean time, whenever Y.I.H. desires it, I +am ready at any hour or moment to place myself at your disposal. I +therefore await your gracious commands. + +I am your Imperial Highness's most obedient + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The date 1812 is marked on the sheet by another hand, and the +close of the second note proves that it was at the commencement of this +year.] + + +87. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1812. + +YOUR IMPERIAL HIGHNESS,-- + +I was unable till to-day, when I leave my bed for the first time, to answer +your gracious letter. It will be impossible for me to wait on you +to-morrow, but perhaps the day after. I have suffered much during the last +few days, and I may say two-fold from not being in a condition to devote a +great part of my time to you, according to my heartfelt wish. I hope now, +however, to have cleared off all scores for spring and summer (I mean as to +health). + +I am your Imperial Highness's most obedient servant, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +88. + +TO VARENNA,--GRATZ. + +Vienna, May 8, 1812. + +SIR,-- + +Being still far from well, and much occupied, I have been unable to reply +to your letters. How in the world did such an unfounded idea ever occur to +you as that I was displeased? It would certainly have been better had you +returned the music as soon as it had been performed; for at that period I +could have produced it here, whereas now, unluckily, it comes too late; but +I only say _unluckily_ because it prevents my being able to spare the +worthy ladies the expenses of copying. At any other time I would on no +account have allowed them to pay for writing out the works, but it so +happens that at this moment I am visited with every kind of _contretemps_, +so I cannot avoid doing so. Possibly Herr O., although with the best +intentions, has delayed informing you of this, which obliged me to apply to +him for repayment of the expenses of copying; perhaps, too, in my haste, I +did not express myself distinctly. You can now, esteemed sir, have the +Overture and the Chorus again if you require them. + +I feel convinced that in any event you will prevent my confidence being +abused; in the mean time you may keep the Overture on the conditions I have +stated. If I find that I am able to pay for the copying, I will redeem it +for my own use. + +The score of the Oratorio is a gift, and also the Overture to "Egmont." +Keep the parts of the Oratorio beside you till you can have it performed. + +Select whatever you choose for the concert which I hear you now intend to +give, and if you decide on the Chorus and the Overture, they shall be +forwarded to you at once. For the future concert, for the benefit of the +venerable Ursulines, I promise you an entirely new symphony at all events, +and perhaps also a work of some importance for voices, and as I have now a +favorable opportunity, the copying shall not cost you a farthing. My joy +would be beyond all bounds if the concert were to be successful, and I +could spare you all expense;--at all events, take my good-will for granted. + +Remember me to the admirable teachers of the children, and say to them that +I shed tears of joy at the happy result of my poor good-will, and that so +far as my humble capabilities can serve them, they shall always find in me +the warmest sympathy. + +My cordial thanks for your invitation; I would fain become acquainted with +the interesting scenery of Styria, and possibly I may one day enjoy that +pleasure. Farewell! I heartily rejoice in having found in you a friend to +the poor and needy, and am always yours to command. + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, M.P. + + +89. + +TO JOSEPH FREIHERR VON SCHWEIGER, CHAMBERLAIN OF THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.[1] + +1812. + +The most insignificant of mortals has just been to wait on his gracious +master, when he found everything closed; so he came here, where indeed all +was _open_, but no one to be found except the trusty servant. I had a heavy +packet of music with me, in order to ensure a good musical evening before +we parted; but in vain. Malfatti[2] is resolved that I shall go to Töplitz, +which is anything but agreeable to me. As, however, I must obey, I hope at +least that my gracious master will not enjoy himself quite so much without +me. _O vanitas!_ for it is nothing else. Before I set off for Töplitz I +will either go to Baden to see you or write. Farewell! Pray present my +homage to my gracious master, and continue your regard for + +Your friend, + +[K.] BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The journey to Töplitz took place in the year 1812.] + +[Footnote 2: A very celebrated physician in Vienna at that time, consulted +by Beethoven.] + + +90. + +TO VARENNA,--GRATZ. + +Töplitz, July 19, 1812. + +My thanks have been too long delayed for all the dainties which the worthy +ladies sent for my enjoyment; being constantly ill in Vienna, I was at last +forced to take refuge here. + +However, better late than never; so I beg you will say all sorts of kind +things in my name to the admirable Ursuline ladies, though I did not +deserve so much gratitude; indeed it is rather for me to thank Him who +enables me to render my art occasionally useful to others. When you next +wish to make use of my poor abilities for the benefit of the venerable +ladies, you have only to write to me. + +A new symphony is now ready for you, and as the Archduke Rudolph has had it +copied out, it will cost you nothing. Perhaps I may one of these days be +able to send you something vocal. I only wish and hope that you will not +ascribe my anxiety to serve these venerable ladies to a certain degree of +vanity or desire for fame, as this would grieve me exceedingly. If these +good ladies wish to do me any service in return, I beg they will include me +with their pupils in their pious orisons. I remain, with esteem, + +Your friend, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +I shall remain here for some weeks; so if there is any occasion to write, +address to me here. + + +91. + +WRITTEN IN THE ALBUM OF THE SINGER, MDME. AUGUSTE SEBALD. + +Töplitz, August 8, 1812. + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, + + Who even if you would, + Forget you never should. + + +92. + +TO H.R. HIGHNESS THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +Franzensbrunn, Aug. 12, 1812. + +It was my bounden duty long ago to have recalled myself to Y.R.H.'s +recollection, but partly my occupations and the state of my health, as well +as my own insignificance, made me reluctant to do so. I missed Y.R.H. by +one night only in Prague; for when proceeding to pay my respects to you in +the morning, I found you had set off the very night before. In Töplitz I +heard a military band four times a day,--the only musical report which I +can give you. I was a great deal with Goethe.[1] My physician Staudenheim, +however, ordered me off to Carlsbad,[2] and from thence here, and probably +I shall have to go back to Töplitz from this. What flights! And yet it +seems very doubtful whether any improvement in my condition has hitherto +taken place. I receive the best accounts of Y.R.H.'s health, and also of +the persistent devotion you exhibit towards the musical Muse. Y.R.H. has no +doubt heard of a concert that I gave for the benefit of the sufferers by +fire in the Stadt Baden,[3] assisted by Herr Polledro.[4] The receipts were +nearly 1000 florins W.W., and if I had not been restricted in my +arrangements we might easily have taken 2000 florins. It was literally a +_poor concert for the poor_. I could only find at the publisher's here some +of my earlier sonatas with violin accompaniments, and as Polledro had set +his heart on these, I was obliged to content myself with playing an old +Sonata.[5] The entire concert consisted of a trio, in which Polledro +played, my Sonata with violin, then again something was played by Polledro, +and, lastly, I extemporized. Meanwhile I do sincerely rejoice that by this +means something has fallen to the share of the poor _Badeners_. Pray deign +to accept my best wishes for your welfare, and my entreaty that you will +sometimes think of me. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: Beethoven speaks very briefly of his meeting with Goethe. +Goethe in his _Tag- und Jahrschriften_ of 1812 makes no allusion to +Beethoven during his stay at Töplitz. It does not, therefore, appear that +either of these master-minds found any particular pleasure in each other +when they met personally. Beethoven, indeed, dedicated to "the immortal +Goethe" (1812) his composition the _Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt_, but +only wrote once to him in 1823 to obtain a subscription from the Grand Duke +of Weimar for his Grand Mass, and received no answer from Goethe. In the +complete edition of Goethe's works Beethoven's name is only once mentioned +by Goethe, when he refers to his funeral obsequies.] + +[Footnote 2: Dr. Staudenheim was, like Malfatti, one of the most celebrated +physicians in Vienna. Beethoven, too, was well acquainted with Staudenheim, +but in his regimen he neither followed the prescriptions of Staudenheim nor +of Malfatti.] + +[Footnote 3: The Stadt Baden, near Vienna, had been visited on July 16th by +a most destructive conflagration.] + +[Footnote 4: Giov. Batt. Polledro, Kapellmeister in Turin, born 1776, +travelled through Germany as a violinist from 1809 to 1812. He gave a +concert in Vienna in March, 1812.] + +[Footnote 5: The violin Sonata with pianoforte was probably Op. 47 +(composed in 1803 and published in 1805, according to Thayer, No. 111), or +one of his earlier compositions, Op. 30, or 24, or 23.] + + +93. + +TO BETTINA VON ARNIM. + +Töplitz, August 15, 1812. + +MY MOST DEAR KIND FRIEND,-- + +Kings and princes can indeed create professors and privy-councillors, and +confer titles and decorations, but they cannot make great men,--spirits +that soar above the base turmoil of this world. There their powers fail, +and this it is that forces them to respect us.[1] When two persons like +Goethe and myself meet, these grandees cannot fail to perceive what such as +we consider great. Yesterday, on our way home, we met the whole Imperial +family; we saw them coming some way off, when Goethe withdrew his arm from +mine, in order to stand aside; and, say what I would, I could not prevail +on him to make another step in advance. I pressed down my hat more firmly +on my head, buttoned up my great-coat, and, crossing my arms behind me, I +made my way through the thickest portion of the crowd. Princes and +courtiers formed a lane for me; Archduke Rudolph took off his hat, and the +Empress bowed to me first. These great ones of the earth _know me_. To my +infinite amusement, I saw the procession defile past Goethe, who stood +aside with his hat off, bowing profoundly. I afterwards took him sharply to +task for this; I gave him no quarter, and upbraided him with all his sins, +especially towards you, my dear friend, as we had just been speaking of +you. Heavens! if I could have lived with you as _he_ did, believe me I +should have produced far greater things. A musician is also a poet, he too +can feel himself transported into a brighter world by a pair of fine eyes, +where loftier spirits sport with him and impose heavy tasks on him. What +thoughts rushed into my mind when I first saw you in the Observatory during +a refreshing May shower, so fertilizing to me also![2] The most beautiful +themes stole from your eyes into my heart, which shall yet enchant the +world when Beethoven no longer _directs_. If God vouchsafes to grant me a +few more years of life, I must then see you once more, my dear, most dear +friend, for the voice within, to which I always listen, demands this. +Spirits may love one another, and I shall ever woo yours. Your approval is +dearer to me than all else in the world. I told Goethe my sentiments as to +the influence praise has over men like us, and that we desire our equals to +listen to us with their understanding. Emotion suits women only; (forgive +me!) music ought to strike fire from the soul of a man. Ah! my dear girl, +how long have our feelings been identical on all points!!! The sole real +good is some bright kindly spirit to sympathize with us, whom we thoroughly +comprehend, and from whom we need not hide our thoughts. _He who wishes to +appear something, must in reality be something._ The world must acknowledge +us, it is not always unjust; but for this I care not, having a higher +purpose in view. I hope to get a letter from you in Vienna; write to me +soon and fully, for a week hence I shall be there. The Court leaves this +to-morrow, and to-day they have another performance. The Empress has +studied her part thoroughly. The Emperor and the Duke wished me to play +some of my own music, but I refused, for they are both infatuated with +_Chinese porcelain_. A little indulgence is required, for reason seems to +have lost its empire; but I do not choose to minister to such perverse +folly--I will not be a party to such absurd doings to please those princes +who are constantly guilty of eccentricities of this sort. Adieu! adieu! +dear one; your letter lay all night next my heart, and cheered me. +Musicians permit themselves great license. _Heavens! how I love you!_ Your +most faithful friend and deaf brother, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Fräulein Giannatasio del Rio, in the journal she sent to the +_Grenz Boten_ in 1857, states that Beethoven once declared, "It is very +pleasant to associate with the great of the earth, but one must possess +some quality which inspires them with respect."] + +[Footnote 2: According to Bettina (see _Goethe's Correspondence with a +Child_, II. 193), their first acquaintance was made in Beethoven's +apartments.] + + +94. + +TO PRINCESS KINSKY,--PRAGUE + +Vienna, Dec. 30, 1812. + +YOUR HIGHNESS,-- + +The dreadful event which deprived you of your husband, Prince von Kinsky, +snatching him from his father-land and from all those who love him,[1] as +well as from many whom he generously supported, filling every heart capable +of appreciating goodness and greatness with the deepest sorrow, affected me +also in the most profound and painful degree. The stern duty of +self-interest compels me to lay before your Highness a humble petition, the +reasonable purport of which may, I hope, plead my excuse for intruding on +your Highness at a time when so many affairs of importance claim your +attention. Permit me to state the matter to your Highness. + +Y.H. is no doubt aware that when I received a summons to Westphalia in the +year 1809, his Highness Prince von Kinsky, your late husband, together with +his I.H. Archduke Rudolph and H.H. the Prince von Lobkowitz, offered to +settle on me for life an annual income of 4000 gulden, provided I declined +the proposal in question, and determined to remain in Austria. Although +this sum was by no means in proportion to that secured to me in Westphalia, +still my predilection for Austria, as well as my sense of this most +generous proposal, induced me to accept it without hesitation. The share +contributed by H.H. Prince Kinsky consisted of 1800 florins, which I have +received by quarterly instalments since 1809 from the Prince's privy purse. +Though subsequent occurrences partially diminished this sum, I rested +satisfied, till the appearance of the Finance Patent, reducing bank-notes +into _Einlösung Schein_. I applied to H.I.H. the Archduke Rudolph to +request that the portion of the annuity contributed by H.I.H. should in +future be paid in _Einlösung Schein_. This was at once granted, and I +received a written assurance to that effect from H.I.H. Prince von +Lobkowitz agreed to the same with regard to his share,--700 florins [see +No. 84]. H.H. Prince von Kinsky being at that time in Prague, I addressed +my respectful petition to him last May, through Herr Varnhagen von Ense, an +officer in the Vogelsang Regiment, that his Highness's contribution to my +salary--1800 florins--should be paid like the rest in _Einlösung Schein_. +Herr von Varnhagen wrote as follows, and the original of the letter is +still extant:-- + +"I had yesterday the desired interview with Prince Kinsky. With the highest +praise of Beethoven, he at once acceded to his demand, and is prepared to +pay up the arrears, and also all future sums from the date of the +_Einlösung Schein_, in that currency. The cashier here has received the +necessary instructions, and Beethoven can draw for the whole sum on his way +through Prague, or, if he prefers it, in Vienna, as soon as the Prince +returns there. + +"Prague, June 9, 1812." + +When passing through Prague some weeks afterwards, I took the opportunity +of waiting on the Prince, and received from him the fullest confirmation of +this promise. H.H. likewise assured me that he entirely admitted the +propriety of my demand, and considered it quite reasonable. As I could not +remain in Prague till this affair was finally settled, H.H. was so kind as +to make me a payment of sixty ducats on account, which, according to H.H.'s +calculation, were good for 600 florins Vienna currency. The arrears were to +be paid up on my return to Vienna, and an order given to the cashier to pay +my salary in future in _Einlösung Schein_. Such was H.H.'s pleasure. My +illness increasing in Töplitz, I was obliged to remain there longer than I +originally intended. In the month of September I therefore addressed to +H.H., who was then in Vienna, through one of my friends here, Herr Oliva, a +written memorial, claiming his promise, when H.H. graciously repeated to +this friend the assurance he had already given me, adding that in the +course of a few days he would give the necessary instructions on the +subject to his cashier. + +A short time afterwards he left Vienna. When I arrived there, I inquired +from the Prince's secretary whether H.H. had given directions about my +salary before leaving Vienna, when, to my surprise, I was told that H.H. +had done nothing in the matter. + +My title to the liquidation of my claim is proved by the testimony of the +Herren von Varnhagen and Oliva, to whom H.H. spoke on the subject, +reiterating his consent. I feel convinced that the illustrious heirs and +family of this prince will in the same spirit of benevolence and generosity +strive to fulfil his intentions. I therefore confidently place in Y.H.'s +hands my respectful petition, viz., "to pay up the arrears of my salary in +_Einlösung Schein_, and to instruct your cashier to transmit me the amount +in future, in the same currency." Relying on your sense of justice +according me a favorable decision, I remain Y.H.'s + +Most obedient servant, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Prince Josef Ferdinand Kinsky, born December, 1781, and killed +by a fall from his horse, November 3, 1812.] + + +95. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1813.[1] + +I have been far from well since last Sunday, but have suffered more in mind +than in body. I beg your forgiveness a thousand times for not having sooner +sent my apologies; each day I had the strongest inclination to wait on you, +but Heaven knows that in spite of the best will that I always entertain for +the best of masters I was unable to do so, distressing as it is to me not +to have it in my power to sacrifice all to him for whom I cherish the +highest esteem, love, and veneration. Y.R.H. would perhaps act wisely in +making a pause at present with the Lobkowitz concerts; even the most +brilliant talent may lose its effect by too great familiarity. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: Prince Franz Josef Lobkowitz died December 25th, 1816. His +musical meetings were certainly continued till 1813, or longer.] + + +96. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1813.[1] + +At early dawn to-morrow the copyist shall begin the last movement. As I am +in the mean time writing several other works, I did not hurry myself much +with this last movement merely for the sake of punctuality, especially as I +must write this more deliberately, with a view to Rode's[2] playing; we +like quick, full-toned passages in our _Finales_, which do not suit R., and +this rather cramps me. At all events, all is sure to go well next Tuesday. +I very much doubt whether I shall be able to present myself at Y.R.H.'s on +that evening, in spite of my zeal in your service; but to make up for this, +I mean to come to you to-morrow forenoon and to-morrow afternoon, that I +may entirely fulfil the wishes of my illustrious pupil. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: 1813. January-February.] + +[Footnote 2: Pierre Rode, the violinist, arrived in Vienna in January, +1813, and gave a concert in the Redoutensaal on February 6th, but did not +give universal satisfaction (_A.M.Z._, 1813, p. 114), and a second concert +that he had projected does not appear to have taken place. He played in +Gratz on February 20th and 27th. It seems that Rode was to play with +Beethoven at the Archduke Rudolph's, for which occasion Beethoven prepared +a composition for them both. Was this the Sonata for pianoforte and violin, +Op. 36, which he afterwards dedicated to the Archduke? Thayer states that +it was written by Beethoven in 1810, and sold to the music-publisher +Steiner in Vienna in April, 1815. No other composition for the violin and +pianoforte is so likely to be the one as this. It is, however, a mistake in +the _Bibliothèque Universelle_, tome xxxvi. p. 210, to state that Beethoven +during Rode's stay in Vienna composed the "délicieuse Romance" which was +played with so much expression by De Baillot on the violin. There are only +two Romances known for the violin by Beethoven, the one in G major, Op. 40, +in the year 1803, and the second in F major, Op. 50, published in 1805. +(Thayer, 102 and 104.)] + + +97. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1813. + +I had just gone out yesterday when your gracious letter reached me. As for +my health, it is pretty much the same, particularly as moral causes affect +it, which do not seem likely to be removed; particularly as I can have +recourse to no one but myself for aid, and can find help in my own head +alone; and more particularly still, because in these days neither words, +nor honor, nor written pledges, seem binding on any one. As for my +occupations, I have come to an end with some of them, and, even without +your gracious invitation, I intended to appear at the usual hour to-day. +With regard to Rode [see No. 96], I beg Y.R.H. to be so good as to let me +have the part by the bearer of this, and I will send it to him at once, +with a polite note from me. _He certainly will not take amiss my sending +him the part. Oh! certainly not! Would to Heaven that I were obliged to ask +his forgiveness on this account! for in that case things would really be in +a better position._ Is it your pleasure that I should come to you this +evening at five o'clock as usual, or does Y.R.H. desire another hour? I +shall endeavor to arrange accordingly, and punctually to fulfil your +wishes. + +[K.] + + +98. + +TO PRINCESS KINSKY. + +Vienna, Feb. 12, 1813. + +YOUR HIGHNESS!-- + +You were so gracious as to declare with regard to the salary settled on me +by your deceased husband, that you saw the propriety of my receiving it in +Vienna currency, but that the authority of the court of law which has +assumed the guardianship of the estate must first be obtained. Under the +conviction that the authorities who represent their princely wards could +not fail to be influenced by the same motives that actuated the late Prince +in his conduct towards me, I think I am justified in expecting the +ratification of my claim from the aforesaid court, as I can prove, by the +testimony of well-known, respectable, and upright men, the promise and +intentions of H.H. in my behalf, which cannot fail to be binding on his +heirs and children. If, therefore, the proofs submitted should even be +found deficient in legal formality, I cannot doubt that this want will be +supplied by the noble mode of thinking of this illustrious house, and by +their own inclination to generous actions. + +Possibly another question may at present arise from the condition of the +inheritance, which is no doubt heavily burdened, both owing to the +melancholy and sudden death of the late Prince, and by the state of the +times, which renders it equally just and indispensable to husband carefully +all possible resources. On this account it is far from my wish to claim +more than is absolutely necessary for my own livelihood, and grounded on +the contract itself,--the legality of such a claim on the heirs of the late +Prince not being in any way disputed. + +I beg, then, that Y.H. will be pleased to direct the arrears of my salary, +due since the 1st September, 1811, calculated in Vienna currency, in +accordance with the scale of the contract, making in W.W. 1088 florins 42 +kreuzers, to be paid, and _in the interim_, the question whether this +salary ought to be paid in Vienna currency can be deferred until the +affairs are settled, when the subject is again brought before the trustees, +and my claims admitted to be just by their consent and authority. The late +Prince having given me sixty ducats merely on account of my salary, which +was to be paid by agreement in Vienna currency, and as this agreement (as +every intelligent man will inform Y.H.) must be accepted to its full +extent, or at all events not cause me loss, it follows as a matter of +course that Y.H. will not object to my considering the sixty ducats as only +an instalment of the arrears due to me beyond the usual scale of payment, +agreed to be paid in Vienna currency, so that the amount must not be +deducted from the sum still due to me. + +I feel sure that Y.H.'s noble feelings will do justice to the equity of my +proposal, and my wish to enter into every detail of this affair, so far as +circumstances permit, and also my readiness to postpone my claims to suit +your convenience. The same elevated sentiments which prompted you to fulfil +the engagement entered into by the late Prince, will also make Y.H. +apprehend the absolute necessity entailed on me by my position again to +solicit immediate payment of the arrears of my salary, which are +indispensable for my maintenance. + +Anxiously hoping for a favorable answer to my petition, I have the honor to +remain, with profound respect, + +Y.R.H.'s obedient servant, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +99. + +TO PRINCESS KINSKY. + +HIGHLY HONORED PRINCESS!-- + +As the Prince's counsel declared that my claim could not be heard till the +choice of a guardian had been made, and as I now hear that Y.H. has been +graciously pleased yourself to assume that office, but decline receiving +any one, I present my humble petition in writing, requesting at the same +time your early consideration; for you can easily understand that, relying +on a thing as a certainty, it is painful to be so long deprived of it, +especially as I am obliged entirely to support an unfortunate sickly +brother and his whole family,[1] which (not computing my own wants) has +entirely exhausted my resources, having expected to provide for myself by +the payment of my salary. You may perceive the justice of my claims from +the fact of my faithfully naming the receipt of the sixty ducats, advanced +to me by the late Prince in Prague, the Prince's counsel himself declaring +that I might have said nothing about this sum, the late Prince not having +mentioned it either to him or to his cashier. + +Forgive my being obliged to intrude this affair on you, but necessity +compels me to do so. Some days hence I shall take the liberty of making +inquiries on the subject from the Prince's counsel, or from any one Y.H. +may appoint. + +I remain, most esteemed and illustrious Princess, + +Your devoted servant, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: See a letter to Ries, Nov. 22d, 1815:--"He was consumptive for +some years, and, in order to make his life easier, I can safely compute +what I gave him at 10,000 florins W.W."] + + +100. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +DEAR Z.,-- + +Forward the accompanying letter to-day without fail to Brunswick, that it +may arrive as soon and as safely as possible. Excuse the trouble I give +you. I have been again applied to, to send some of my works to Gratz, in +Styria, for a concert to be given in aid of the Ursuline convent and its +schools: last year they had very large receipts by this means. Including +this concert, and one I gave in Carlsbad for the benefit of the sufferers +from fire at Baden, three concerts have been given by me, and through me, +for benevolent purposes in one year; and yet if I ask a favor, people are +as deaf as a post. Your + +BEETHOVEN. + +I. Letter to Sclowonowitsch (Maître des bureaux des postes) in Cassel. I +can no longer do without the books of Tiedge and Frau von der Recke, as I +am expected to give some opinion about them. + + +101. + +TO HERR JOSEPH VARENNA,--GRATZ. + +MY GOOD SIR,-- + +Rode was not quite correct in all that he said of me; my health is not +particularly good, and from no fault of my own,--my present condition being +the most unfortunate of my life. But neither this nor anything in the world +shall prevent me from assisting, so far as it lies in my power, the +innocent and distressed ladies of your convent by my poor works. I +therefore place at your disposal two new symphonies, a bass aria with +chorus, and several minor choruses; if you desire again to perform +"Hungaria's Benefactors," which you gave last year, it is also at your +service. Among the choruses you will find a "Dervise Chorus," a capital +bait for a mixed public. + +In my opinion, your best plan would be to select a day when you could give +the "Mount of Olives," which has been everywhere performed. This would +occupy one half of the concert, and the other half might consist of a new +symphony, the overtures, and various choruses, and likewise the above-named +bass aria and chorus; thus the evening would not be devoid of variety. But +you can settle all this more satisfactorily with the aid of your own +musical authorities. I think I can guess what you mean about a gratuity for +me from a _third person_. Were I in the same position as formerly, I would +at once say, "Beethoven never accepts anything _where the benefit of +humanity is concerned_;" but owing to my own too great benevolence I am +reduced to a low ebb, the cause of which, however, does not put me to +shame, being combined with other circumstances for which men devoid of +honor and principle are alone to blame; so I do not hesitate to say that I +would not refuse the contribution of the rich man to whom you allude.[1] +But there is no question here of any _claim_. If, however, the affair with +the _third person_ comes to nothing, pray rest assured that I shall be +equally disposed to confer the same benefit as last year on my friends the +respected Ursuline ladies, and shall at all times be ready to succor the +poor and needy so long as I live. And now farewell! Write soon, and I will +zealously strive to make all necessary arrangements. My best wishes for the +convent. + +I am, with esteem, your friend, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Reichardt, on the 1st March, 1809, writes in his _Vertraute +Briefe_,--"Beethoven, by 'a rich third person,' as the following letter +proves, meant Louis Bonaparte, who, after abdicating the Dutch throne, +lived in Gratz."] + + +102. + +TO VARENNA. + +MY EXCELLENT V. [VARENNA],-- + +I received your letter with much pleasure, but with much displeasure the +100 florins allotted to me by our poor convent ladies; in the mean time I +will apply part of this sum to pay the copyists--the surplus and the +accounts for copying shall be sent to these good ladies. + +I never accept anything for such a purpose. I thought that perhaps the +_third person_ to whom you alluded might be the Ex-King of Holland, in +which case I should have had no scruples, under my present circumstances, +in accepting a gratuity from him, who has no doubt taken enough from the +Dutch in a less legitimate way; but as it is, I must decline (though in all +friendship) any renewal of this subject. + +Let me know whether, were I to come myself to Gratz, I could give a +concert, and what the receipts would probably be; for Vienna, alas! can no +longer continue my place of abode. Perhaps it is now too late? but any +information from you on the point will be very welcome. + +The works are being copied, and you shall have them as soon as possible. +You may do just what you please with the Oratorio; where it will be of most +use it will best fulfil my intentions. + +I am, with esteem, your obedient + +BEETHOVEN. + +P.S. Say all that is kind from me to the worthy Ursuline ladies. I rejoice +in being able to serve them. + + +103. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Confounded, invited guest! _Domanowetz!_--not musical Count, but gobbling +Count! dinner Count! supper Count! &c., &c. The Quartet is to be tried over +to-day at ten o'clock or half-past, at Lobkowitz's.[1] His Highness, whose +wits are generally astray, is not yet arrived; so pray join us, if you can +escape from your Chancery jailer. Herzog is to see you to-day. He intends +to take the post of my man-servant; you may agree to give him thirty +florins, with his wife _obbligata_. Firing, light, and morning livery +found. I must have some one who knows how to cook, for if my food continues +as bad as it now is, I shall always be ill. I dine at home to-day, because +I get better wine. If you will only order what you like, I very much wish +you to come to me. You shall have the wine _gratis_, and of far better +quality than what you get at the scoundrelly "Swan." + +Your very insignificant + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Reichardt, in his _Vertraute Briefe_, writes: "The beautiful +quartets and evening concerts for the Archduke Rudolph still continue at +Prince von Lobkowitz's, although the Prince himself is about to join his +battalion in Bohemia." Reichardt, Vol. I. p. 182, calls Lobkowitz "an +indefatigable, insatiable, genuine enthusiast for art."] + + +104. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Feb. 25, 1813. + +I have been constantly indisposed, dear Zmeskall, since I last saw you; in +the mean time the servant who lived with you before your present one has +applied for my situation. I do not recollect him, but he told me he had +been with you, and that you had nothing to say against him, except that he +did not dress your hair as you wished. I gave him earnest-money, though +only a florin. Supposing you have no other fault to find with the man (and +if so I beg you will candidly mention it), I intend to engage him, for you +know that it is no object with me to have my hair dressed; it would be more +to the purpose if my finances could be dressed, or _re-dressed_. I hope to +get an answer from you to day. If there is no one to open the door to your +servant, let him leave the note in the entrance to the left, and should he +find no one there either, he must give it to the porter's wife below +stairs. May Heaven prosper you in your musical undertakings! Your + +BEETHOVEN, + +_Miserabilis._ + + +105. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Feb. 28, 1813. + +Let us leave things as they are for to-day, dear Z., till we meet [and so +on about the servant]. + +Farewell! Carefully guard the fortresses of the realm, which, as you know, +are no longer virgins, and have already received many a shot. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +106. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +MOST WORTHY COUNSELLOR, OWNER OF MINES AND LORD OF FASTNESSES IN BURGUNDY +AND BUDA!-- + +Be so good as to let me know how matters stand, as this afternoon at latest +I shall take advantage of your reply to my question, by giving my servant +warning for this day fortnight. His wages, &c., &c. [The rest relates to +his servant.] + + +107. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +April 19, 1813. + +MY DEAR ZMESKALL,-- + +I have been refused the University Hall. I heard this two days since; but +being indisposed yesterday I could not go to see you, nor can I to-day +either. We have no resource now but the Kärnthnerthor Theatre, or the one +"an der Wien." I believe there will only be one concert. If both these +fail, we must then have recourse to the Augarten, in which case we ought +certainly to give two concerts. Reflect on this, my dear friend, and let me +have your opinion. To-morrow the symphonies may perhaps be tried over at +the Archduke's if I am able to go out, of which I will apprise you. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +108. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +April 23, 1813. + +DEAR Z.,-- + +All will go right, the Archduke being resolved to take this Prince +_Fizlypuzly_ roundly to task. Let me know if you are to dine at the tavern +to-day, or where? Pray tell me if "Sentivany" is properly spelt, as I wish +to write to him at the same time about the Chorus. We must also consult +together what day to choose. By the by, be cautious not to mention the +intercession of the Archduke, for Prince _Fizlypuzly_ is not to be with him +till Sunday, and if that evil-minded creditor had any previous hint of the +affair, he would still try to evade us. + +Yours ever, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +109. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +April 26, 1813. + +Lobkowitz will give me a day on the 15th of May, or after that period, +which seems to me scarcely better than none at all; so I am almost disposed +to give up all idea of a concert. But the Almighty will no doubt prevent my +being utterly ruined. + +Yours, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +110. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +Baden, May 27, 1813. + +I have the honor to inform you of my arrival in Baden, which is indeed +still very empty of human beings, but with all the greater luxuriance and +full lustre does Nature shine in her enchanting loveliness. Where I fail, +or ever have failed, be graciously indulgent towards me, for so many trying +occurrences, succeeding each other so closely, have really almost +bewildered me; still I am convinced that the resplendent beauties of Nature +here, and the charming environs, will gradually restore my spirits, and a +double share of tranquillity be my portion, as by my stay here I likewise +fulfil the wishes of Y.R.H. Would that my desire soon to hear that Y.R.H. +is fully restored were equally fulfilled! This is indeed my warmest wish, +and how much I grieve that I cannot at this moment contribute to your +recovery by means of _my_ art! This is reserved for the goddess Hygeia +alone, and I, alas! am only a poor mortal, who commends himself to Y.R.H., +and sincerely hopes soon to be permitted to wait on you. + +[K.] + + +111. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +Vienna, July 24, 1813. + +From day to day I have been expecting to return to Baden; in the mean time, +the discords that detain me here may possibly be resolved by the end of the +ensuing week. To me a residence in a town during the summer is misery, and +when I also remember that I am thus prevented waiting on Y.R.H., it is +still more vexatious and annoying. It is, in fact, the Lobkowitz and Kinsky +affairs that keep me here. Instead of pondering over a number of bars, I am +obliged constantly to reflect on the number of peregrinations I am forced +to make; but for this, I could scarcely endure to the end. Y.R.H. has no +doubt heard of Lobkowitz's misfortunes,[1] which are much to be regretted; +but after all, to be rich is no such great happiness! It is said that Count +Fries alone paid 1900 gold ducats to Duport, for which he had the security +of the ancient Lobkowitz house. The details are beyond all belief. I hear +that Count Rasumowsky[2] intends to go to Baden, and to take his Quartet +with him, which is really very pretty, and I have no doubt that Y.R.H. will +be much pleased with it. I know no more charming enjoyment in the country +than quartet music. I beg Y.R.H. will accept my heartfelt wishes for your +health, and also compassionate me for being obliged to pass my time here +under such disagreeable circumstances. But I will strive to compensate +twofold in Baden for what you have lost. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: Prince Lobkowitz's "misfortunes" probably refer to the great +pecuniary difficulties which befell this music and pomp loving Prince +several years before his death. Beethoven seems to have made various +attempts to induce the Prince to continue the payment of his share of the +salary agreed on, though these efforts were long fruitless. The subject, +however, appears to have been again renewed in 1816, for on the 8th of +March in this year Beethoven writes to Ries to say that his salary consists +of 3400 florins E.S., and this sum he received till his death.] + +[Footnote 2: Those who played in Count Rasumowsky's Quartets, to whom +Beethoven dedicated various compositions, were the _virtuosi_ Schuppanzigh +(1st), Sina (2d violin), Linke (violoncello), Weiss (violin).] + + +112. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1813.[1] + +I beg to inquire whether, being in some degree restored, I am to wait on +you this evening? I at the same time take the liberty to make a humble +request. I was in hopes that by this time, at all events, my melancholy +circumstances would have brightened, but all continues in its old state, so +I must determine on giving two concerts.[2] I find that I am compelled to +give up my former resolution never to give any except for benevolent +purposes; as self-maintenance demands that I should do so. The hall of the +University would be the most advantageous and distinguished for my present +object, and my humble request consists in entreating Y.R.H. to be so +gracious as to send a line to the present _Rector Magnificus_ of the +University, through Baron Schweiger, which would certainly ensure my +getting the hall. In the hope of a favorable answer, I remain, &c., &c. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: Late in the autumn of 1813.] + +[Footnote 2: The concerts here referred to were given in the University +Hall on the 8th and 12th December, 1813, when the _Battle of Vittoria_ and +the A major Symphony were performed for the first time. Beethoven himself +conducted.] + + +113. + +TO FREIHERR JOSEF VON SCHWEIGER. + +Late in the Autumn of 1813. + +MY DEAR FRIEND,-- + +I have to-day applied (by letter) to my gracious master to interest himself +in procuring the University Hall for two concerts which I think of giving, +and in fact must give, for all remains as it was. Always considering you, +both in good and evil fortune, my best friend, I suggested to the Duke that +you should apply in his name for this favor to the present Rector of the +University. Whatever may be the result, let me know H.R.H.'s decision as +soon as possible, that I may make further efforts to extricate myself from +a position so detrimental to me and to my art. I am coming this evening to +the Archduke. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[K.] + + +114. + +TO HERR VON BAUMEISTER.[1] + +DEAR SIR,-- + +I request you will send me the parts of the Symphony in A, and likewise my +score. His I.H. can have the MS. again, but I require it at present for the +music in the Augarten to-morrow. I have just received two tickets, which I +send to you, and beg you will make use of them. + +I am, with esteem, yours, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Private Secretary to the Archduke Rudolph.] + + +115. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Oct. 9, 1813. + +MY DEAR GOOD Z.,-- + +Don't be indignant with me for asking you to address the enclosed letter +properly; the person for whom it is intended is constantly complaining that +he gets no letters from me. Yesterday I took one myself to the post-office, +when I was asked where the letter was meant to go. I see, therefore, that +my writing seems to be as little understood as myself. Thence my request to +you. Your + +BEETHOVEN. + + +116. + +LETTER OF THANKS. + +I esteem it my duty to express my gratitude for the great zeal shown by all +those artists who so kindly coöperated on the 8th and 12th December [1813] +in the concerts given for the benefit of the Austrian and Bavarian soldiers +wounded at the battle of Hanau. It was a rare combination of eminent +artists, where all were inspired by the wish to be of use to their +father-land, and to contribute by the exercise of their talents to the +fulfilment of the undertaking, while, regardless of all precedence, they +gladly accepted subordinate places.[1] While an artist like Herr +Schuppanzigh was at the head of the first violins, and by his fiery and +expressive mode of conducting kindled the zeal of the whole orchestra, Herr +Kapellmeister Salieri did not scruple to give the time to the drums and +cannonades; Herr Spohr and Herr Mayseder, each worthy from his talents to +fill the highest post, played in the second and third rank. Herr Siboni and +Herr Giuliani also filled subordinate places. The conducting of the whole +was only assigned to me from the music being my own composition; had it +been that of any one else, I would willingly, like Herr Hummel, have taken +my place at the big drum, as the only feeling that pervaded all our hearts +was true love for our father-land, and the wish cheerfully to devote our +powers to those who had sacrificed so much for us. Particular thanks are +due to Herr Maelzel, inasmuch as he first suggested the idea of this +concert, and the most troublesome part of the enterprise, the requisite +arrangements, management, and regulations, devolved on him. I more +especially thank him for giving me an opportunity by this concert of +fulfilling a wish I have long cherished, to compose for such a benevolent +object (exclusive of the works already made over to him) a comprehensive +work more adapted to the present times, to be laid on the altar of my +father-land.[2] As a notice is to be published of all those who assisted on +this occasion, the public will be enabled to judge of the noble self-denial +exercised by a mass of the greatest artists, working together with the same +benevolent object in view. + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The A major Symphony and _Wellington's Victory at Vittoria_ +were performed.] + +[Footnote 2: "Obsolete" is written in pencil by Beethoven.] + + +117. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.[1] + +1814. + +I beg you will send me the score of the "Final Chorus"[2] for half a day, +as the theatrical score is so badly written. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: The spring of 1814.] + +[Footnote 2: The _Schlusschor_, the score of which Beethoven requests the +Archduke to send him, is in all probability the Finale _Germania! +Germania!_ intended for Treitschke's Operetta _Die gute Nachricht_, which +refers to the taking of Paris by the Allies, and was performed for the +first time at Vienna in the Kärnthnerthor Theatre on the 11th April, 1814. +The same _Final Chorus_ was substituted for another of Beethoven's (_Es ist +vollbracht_) in Treitschke's Operetta _Die Ehrenpforten_, first given on +the 15th July, 1815, in the Kärnthnerthor Theatre. Both these choruses are +printed in score in Breitkopf & Härtel's edition of Beethoven's works.] + + +118. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1814. + +Having only so recently received the score of the "Final Chorus," I must +ask you to excuse your getting it back so late. The best thing H.R.H. can +do is to have it transcribed, for in its present form the score is of no +use. I would have brought it myself, but I have been laid up with a cold +since last Sunday, which is most severe, and obliges me to be very careful, +being so much indisposed. I never feel greater satisfaction than when +Y.R.H. derives any pleasure through me. I hope very soon to be able to wait +on you myself, and in the mean time I pray that you will keep me in +remembrance. + +[K.] + + +119. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1814. + +The song "Germania" belongs to the whole world who sympathize with the +subject, and to you beyond all others, just as I myself am wholly yours. I +wish you a good journey to Palermo. + +[K.] + + +120. + +TO TREITSCHKE. + +March, 1814. + +MY DEAR, WORTHY T.,-- + +I have read with the greatest satisfaction your amendments of the Opera +["Fidelio" which was about to be again performed]. It has decided me once +more to rebuild the desolate ruins of an ancient fortress. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +121. + +TO TREITSCHKE. + +The affair of the Opera is the most troublesome in the world, and there is +scarcely one part of it which quite satisfies me now, and that I have not +been obliged to _amend by something more satisfactory_. But what a +difference between this, and giving one's self up to freely flowing thought +and inspiration! + + +122. + +TO TREITSCHKE. + +1814. + +I request, my dear T., that you will send me the score of the song [in +"Fidelio," _Geld ist eine schöne Sache_], that the interpolated notes may +be transcribed in all the instrumental parts; though I shall not take it at +all amiss if you prefer that Girowetz or any other person, perhaps +Weinmüller [who sang the part of Rocco], should do so. This I have nothing +to say against, but I will not suffer my composition to be altered by any +one whatever, be he who he may. + +I am, with high consideration, + +Your obedient + +BEETHOVEN. + + +123. + +TO COUNT MORITZ LICHNOWSKY.[1] + +MY DEAR COUNT,-- + +If you wish to attend our council [about the alterations in "Fidelio"], I +beg to inform you that it assembles this afternoon at half-past three +o'clock, in the Spielmann Haus, auf dem Graben, No. 188, 4th Etage, at Herr +Weinmüller's. I shall be very glad if you have leisure to be present. + +[Footnote 1: The mention of Weinmüller decides the date of this note, as it +was in the spring of 1814 that he, together with the singers Saal and Vogl, +brought about the revival of _Fidelio_.] + + +124. + +TO COUNT MORITZ LICHNOWSKY.[1] + +My dear, victorious, and yet sometimes nonplussed (?) Count! I hope that +you rested well, most precious and charming of all Counts! Oh! most beloved +and unparalleled Count! most fascinating and prodigious Count! + +[Music: Treble clef, E-flat Major, 2/2 time. +Graf Graf Graf Graf (in 3-part harmony) +Graf (in 3-part counterpoint) +Graf Graf Graf, liebster Graf, liebstes Schaf, +bester Graf, bestes Schaf! Schaf! Schaf!] + +(_To be repeated at pleasure_.) + +At what hour shall we call on Walter to-day? My going or not depends +entirely on you. Your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: In Schindler's _Beethoven's Nachlass_ there is also an +autograph Canon of Beethoven's in F major, 6/8, on Count Lichnowsky, on the +words, _Bester Herr Graf, Sie sind ein Schaf_, written (according to +Schindler) Feb. 20th, 1823, in the coffee-house "Die Goldne Birne," in the +Landstrasse, where Beethoven usually went every evening, though he +generally slipped in by the backdoor.] + + +125. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1814. + +I hope you forgive me for not having come to you. Your displeasure would be +totally undeserved, and I will amply compensate for lost time in a few +days. My Opera of "Fidelio"[1] is again to be performed, which gives me a +great deal to do; moreover, though I look well, I am not so in reality. The +arrangements for my second concert[2] are partly completed. I must write +something new for Mdlle. Milder.[3] Meanwhile it is a consolation to me to +hear that Y.R.H. is so much better. I hope I am not too sanguine in +thinking that I shall soon be able to contribute towards this. I have taken +the liberty to apprise my Lord Falstaff[4] that he is ere long to have the +honor of appearing before Y.R.H. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: Letters 125 and 126 refer to the revival of the Opera of +_Fidelio_, which had not been given since 1806, and was not again produced +on the stage till the 23d May, 1814, in the Kärnthnerthor Theatre. +Beethoven's benefit took place on the 8th July, two newly composed pieces +being inserted.] + +[Footnote 2: Beethoven gave a concert on the 2d January, 1814, when +_Wellington's Victory_ was performed, and on the 26th March another for the +benefit of the Theatrical Fund, at which the _Overture to Egmont_ and +_Wellingtons's Victory_ were given, directed by Beethoven himself.] + +[Footnote 3: Anna Milder, Royal Court opera singer, a pupil of Vogl's, who +first sang the part of Leonore in _Fidelio_.] + +[Footnote 4: By "my Lord Falstaff" he means the corpulent violinist +Schuppanzigh.] + + +126. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +Vienna, July 14, 1814. + +Whenever I inquire about you I hear nothing but good news. As for my own +insignificant self, I have been hitherto hopelessly detained in Vienna, and +unable to approach Y.R.H.; I am also thus deprived of the enjoyment of +beautiful Nature, so dear to me. The directors of the theatre are so +_conscientious_, that, contrary to their faithful promise, they have again +given my Opera of "Fidelio," without thinking of giving me any share in the +receipts. They would have exhibited the same commendable good faith a +second time, had I not been on the watch like a French custom-house officer +of other days. At last, after a great many troublesome discussions, it was +settled that the Opera of "Fidelio" should be given on Monday the 18th of +July, for my benefit. These _receipts_ at this season of the year may more +properly be called _deceits_; but if a work is in any degree successful it +often becomes a little feast for the author. To this feast the master +invites his illustrious pupil, and hopes--yes! I hope that Y.R.H. will +graciously consent to come, and thus add lustre to everything by your +presence. It would be a great boon if Y.R.H. would endeavor to persuade the +other members of the Imperial family to be present at the representation of +my Opera, and I on my part will not fail to take the proper steps on the +subject which duty commands. Vogl's illness[1] enabled me to satisfy my +desire to give the part of Pizarro to Forti,[2] his voice being better +suited to it; but owing to this there are daily rehearsals, which cannot +fail to have a favorable effect on the performance, but which render it +impossible for me to wait upon Y.R.H. before my benefit. Pray give this +letter your favorable consideration, and think graciously of me. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: Joh. Mich. Vogl, born August 10th, 1768, was Court opera +singer (tenor) in Vienna from 1794 to 1822; he died November 19th, 1840.] + +[Footnote 2: Forti, born June 8th, 1790, a member of the Royal Court +Theatre (a barytone), pensioned off in 1834.] + + +127. + +DEPOSITION. + +1814. + +I voluntarily presented Maelzel _gratis_ with a "Battle Symphony" for his +panharmonica. After having kept it for some time, he brought me back the +score, which he had already begun to engrave, saying that he wished it to +be harmonized for a full orchestra. The idea of a battle had already +occurred to me, which, however, could not be performed on his panharmonica. +We agreed to select this and some more of my works [see No. 116] to be +given at the concert for the benefit of disabled soldiers. At that very +time I became involved in the most frightful pecuniary difficulties. +Forsaken by every one in Vienna, and in daily expectation of remittances, +&c., Maelzel offered me fifty gold ducats, which I accepted, saying that I +would either repay them, or allow him to take the work to London, (provided +I did not go there myself with him,) referring him to an English publisher +for payment. + +I got back from him the score written for the panharmonica. The concerts +then took place, and during that time Herr Maelzel's designs and character +were first fully revealed. Without my consent, he stated on the bills of +the concert that the work was _his property_. Indignant at this, I insisted +on his destroying these bills. He then stated that I had given it to him as +a friendly act, because he was going to London. To this I did not object, +believing that I had reserved the right to state the conditions on which +the work should be his own. I remember that when the bills were being +printed, I violently opposed them, but the time was too short, as I was +still writing the work. In all the fire of inspiration, and absorbed in my +composition, I scarcely thought at all on the subject. Immediately after +the first concert in the University Hall, I was told on all sides, and by +people on whom I could rely, that Maelzel had everywhere given out he had +paid me 400 gold ducats for the Symphony. I sent what follows to a +newspaper, but the editor would not insert it, as Maelzel stands well with +them all. As soon as the first concert was over, I repaid Maelzel his fifty +ducats, declaring that having discovered his real character, nothing should +ever induce me to travel with him; justly indignant that, without +consulting me, he had stated in the bills that all the arrangements for the +concert were most defective. His own despicable want of patriotism too is +proved by the following expressions: "I care nothing at all about L.; if it +is only said in London that people have paid ten gulden for admission here, +that is all I care about; the wounded are nothing to me." Moreover, I told +him that he might take the work to London on certain conditions, which I +would inform him of. He then asserted that it was a _friendly gift_, and +made use of this phrase in the newspapers after the second concert, without +giving me the most remote hint on the subject. As Maelzel is a rude, +churlish man, entirely devoid of education or cultivation, it is easy to +conceive the tenor of his conduct to me during this time, which still +further irritated me. Who could bear to be forced to bestow a _friendly +gift_ on such a man? I was offered an opportunity to send the work to the +Prince Regent, [afterwards George IV.] It was therefore quite impossible +for me to _give away the work unconditionally_. + +He then called on a mutual friend to make proposals. He was told on what +day to return for an answer, but he never appeared, set off on his travels, +and performed the work in Munich. How did he obtain it? He could not +possibly _steal_ it; but Herr Maelzel had several of the parts for some +days in his house, and he caused the entire work to be harmonized by some +obscure musical journeyman, and is now hawking it about the world. Herr +Maelzel promised me ear-trumpets. I harmonized the "Battle Symphony" for +his panharmonica from a wish to keep him to his word. The ear-trumpets came +at last, but were not of the service to me that I expected. For this slight +trouble Herr Maelzel, after my having arranged the "Battle Symphony" for a +full orchestra, and composed a battle-piece in addition, declared that I +ought to have made over these works to him as _his own exclusive property_. +Even allowing that I am in some degree obliged to him for the ear-trumpets, +this is entirely balanced by his having made at least 500 gulden in Munich +by my mutilated or stolen battle-piece. He has therefore paid himself in +full. He had actually the audacity to say here that he was in possession of +the battle-piece; in fact he showed it, written out, to various persons. I +did not believe this; and, in fact, with good reason, as the whole is not +by me, but compiled by some one else. Indeed the credit he assumes for the +work should alone be sufficient compensation. + +The secretary at the War Office made no allusion whatever to me, and yet +every work performed at both concerts was of my composition. + +Herr Maelzel thinks fit to say that he has delayed his visit to London on +account of the battle-piece, which is a mere subterfuge. He stayed to +finish his patchwork, as the first attempt did not succeed. + +BEETHOVEN. + + +128. + +TO HERR J. KAUKA, DOCTOR OF LAWS IN PRAGUE, IN THE KINGDOM OF BOHEMIA. + +The Summer of 1814. + +A thousand thanks, my esteemed Kauka. At last I meet with a _legal +representative_ and a _man_, who can both write and think without using +unmeaning formulas. You can scarcely imagine how I long for the end of this +affair, as it not only interferes with my domestic expenditure, but is +injurious to me in various ways. You know yourself that a sensitive spirit +ought not to be fettered by miserable anxieties, and much that might render +my life happy is thus abstracted from it. Even my inclination and the duty +I assigned myself, to serve suffering humanity by means of my art, I have +been obliged to limit, and must continue to do so.[1] + +I write nothing about our monarchs and monarchies, for the newspapers give +you every information on these subjects.[2] The intellectual realm is the +most precious in my eyes, and far above all temporal and spiritual +monarchies. Write to me, however, what you wish _for yourself_ from my poor +musical capabilities, that I may, in so far as it lies in my power, supply +something for your own musical sense and feeling. Do you not require all +the papers connected with the Kinsky case? If so I will send them to you, +as they contain most important testimony, which, indeed, I believe you read +when with me. Think of me and do not forget that you represent a +disinterested artist in opposition to a niggardly family. How gladly do men +withhold from the poor artist in one respect _what they pay him in +another_, and there is no longer a Zeus with whom an artist can invite +himself to feast on ambrosia. Strive, my dear friend, to accelerate the +tardy steps of justice. Whenever I feel myself elevated high, and in happy +moments revel in my artistic sphere, circumstances drag me down again, and +none more than these two lawsuits. You too have your disagreeable moments, +though with the views and capabilities I know you to possess, especially in +your profession, I could scarcely have believed this; still I must recall +your attention to myself. I have drunk to the dregs a cup of bitter sorrow, +and already earned martyrdom in art through my beloved artistic disciples +and colleagues. I beg you will think of me every day, and imagine it to be +an _entire world_, for it is really asking rather too much of you to think +of so humble an _individual_ as myself. + +I am, with the highest esteem and friendship, + +Your obedient + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: He supported a consumptive brother and his wife and child.] + +[Footnote 2: At the Vienna Congress Beethoven was received with much +distinction by the potentates present.] + + +129. + +ADDRESS AND APPEAL TO LONDON ARTISTS BY L. VAN BEETHOVEN. + +Vienna, July 25, 1814. + +Herr Maelzel, now in London, on his way thither performed my "Battle +Symphony" and "Wellington's Battle of Vittoria" in Munich, and no doubt he +intends to produce them at London concerts, as he wished to do in +Frankfort. This induces me to declare that I never in any way made over or +transferred the said works to Herr Maelzel; that no one possesses a copy of +them, and that the only one verified by me I sent to his Royal Highness the +Prince Regent of England. The performance of these works, therefore, by +Herr Maelzel is either an imposition on the public, as the above +declaration proves that he does not possess them, or if he does, he has +been guilty of a breach of faith towards me, inasmuch as he must have got +them in a surreptitious manner. + +But even in the latter case the public will still be deluded, for the works +that Herr Maelzel performs under the titles of "Wellington's Battle of +Vittoria" and "Battle Symphony" are beyond all doubt spurious and +mutilated, as he never had any portion of either of these works of mine, +except some of the parts for a few days. + +This suspicion becomes a certainty from the testimony of various artists +here, whose names I am authorized to give if necessary. These gentlemen +state that Herr Maelzel, before he left Vienna, declared that he was in +possession of these works, and showed various portions, which, however, as +I have already proved, must be counterfeit. The question whether Herr +Maelzel be capable of doing me such an injury is best solved by the +following fact,--In the public papers he named himself as sole giver of the +concert on behalf of our wounded soldiers, whereas my works alone were +performed there, and yet he made no allusion whatsoever to me. + +I therefore appeal to the London musicians not to permit such a grievous +wrong to be done to their fellow-artist by Herr Maelzel's performance of +the "Battle of Vittoria" and the "Battle Symphony," and also to prevent the +London public being so shamefully imposed upon. + + +130. + +TO DR. KAUKA. + +Vienna, August 22, 1814. + +You have shown a feeling for harmony, and you can resolve a great discord +in my life, which causes me much discomfort, into more pleasing melody, if +you will. I shortly expect to hear something of what you understand is +likely to happen, as I eagerly anticipate the result of this most _unjust_ +affair with the Kinskys. When the Princess was here, she seemed to be well +disposed towards me; still I do not know how it will end. In the mean time +I must restrict myself in everything, and await with entire confidence what +is _rightfully my own_ and _legally devolves on me_; and though unforeseen +occurrences caused changes in this matter, still two witnesses recently +bore testimony to the wish of the deceased Prince that my appointed salary +in _Banco Zettel_ should be paid in _Einlösung Schein_, making up the +original sum, and the Prince himself gave me sixty gold ducats _on account_ +of my claim. + +Should the affair turn out badly for me by the conduct of the Kinsky +family, I will publish it in every newspaper, to their disgrace. If there +had been an heir, and the facts had been told to him _in all their truth_, +just as I narrated them, I am convinced that he would at once have adopted +the words and deeds of his predecessor. Has Dr. Wolf [the previous +advocate] shown you the papers, or shall I make you acquainted with them? +As I am by no means sure that this letter will reach you safely, I defer +sending you the pianoforte arrangement of my opera "Fidelio," which is +ready to be dispatched. + +I hope, in accordance with your usual friendliness, soon to hear from you. +I am also writing to Dr. Wolf (who certainly does not treat any one +_wolfishly_), in order not to arouse his _passion_, so that he may have +_compassion_ on me, and neither take my purse nor my life. + +I am, with esteem, your true friend, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +131. + +TO COUNT MORITZ LICHNOWSKY. + +Baden, Sept. 21, 1841.[1] + +MOST ESTEEMED COUNT AND FRIEND,-- + +I unluckily only got your letter yesterday. A thousand thanks for your +remembrance of me. Pray express my gratitude also to your charming Princess +Christiane [wife of Prince Carl Lichnowsky]. I had a delightful walk +yesterday with a friend in the Brühl, and in the course of our friendly +chat you were particularly mentioned, and lo! and behold! on my return I +found your kind letter. I see you are resolved to continue to load me with +benefits. + +As I am unwilling you should suppose that a step I have already taken is +prompted by your recent favors, or by any motive of the sort, I must tell +you that a sonata of mine [Op. 90] is about to appear, _dedicated to you_. +I wished to give you a surprise, as this dedication has been long designed +for you, but your letter of yesterday induces me to name the fact. I +required no new motive thus publicly to testify my sense of your friendship +and kindness. But as for anything approaching to a gift in return, you +would only distress me, by thus totally misinterpreting my intentions, and +I should at once decidedly refuse such a thing. + +I beg to kiss the hand of the Princess for her kind message and all her +goodness to me. _Never have I forgotten what I owe to you all_, though an +unfortunate combination of circumstances prevented my testifying this as I +could have wished. + +From what you tell me about Lord Castlereagh, I think the matter in the +best possible train. If I were to give an opinion on the subject, I should +say that Lord Castlereagh ought to hear the work given here before writing +to Wellington. I shall soon be in Vienna, when we can consult together +about a grand concert. Nothing is to be effected at Court; I made the +application, but--but-- + +[Music: Treble clef, C major, 4/4 time, Adagio. +al-lein al-lein al-lein] + +_Silentium!!!_ + +Farewell, my esteemed friend; pray continue to esteem me worthy of your +friendship. Yours, + +BEETHOVEN. + +A thousand compliments to the illustrious Princess. + +[Footnote 1: The date reversed, as written by Beethoven, is here given.] + + +132. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1814. + +I perceive that Y.R.H. wishes to try the effect of my music even upon +horses.[1] We shall see whether its influence will cause the riders to +throw some clever summersets. Ha! ha! I can't help laughing at Y.R.H. +thinking of me on such an occasion; for which I shall remain so long as I +live, &c., &c., &c. The horse-music that Y.R.H. desires shall set off to +you full gallop. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: A tournament was held on the 23d November, 1814, in the Royal +Riding School. Beethoven was probably requested by the Archduke to compose +some music for it, which, however, has not been traced.] + + +133. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1814. + +It is impossible for me to-day to wait on you, much as I wish it. I am +dispatching the work on Wellington's victory[1] to London. Such matters +have their appointed and fixed time, which cannot be delayed without final +loss. To-morrow I hope to be able to call on Y.R.H. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: The Cantata _Der glorreiche Augenblick_, the poetry by Dr. +Alois Weissenbach, set to music by Beethoven for chorus and orchestra (Op. +136), was first given in Vienna on the 29th November, 1814, and repeated on +the 2d December.] + + +134. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +(In a different hand) Dec. 1814. + +I really feel that I can never deserve your goodness towards me. I beg to +offer my most respectful thanks for Y.R.H.'s gracious intervention in my +affairs at Prague. I will punctually attend to the score of the Cantata.[1] +I trust Y.R.H. will forgive my not having yet been to see you. After the +concert for the poor, comes one in the theatre, equally for the benefit of +the _impresario in angustia_, for they have felt some just shame, and have +let me off with one third and one half of the usual charges. I have now +some fresh work on hand, and then there is a new opera to be begun,[2] the +subject of which I am about to decide on. Moreover, I am again far from +well, but a few days hence I will wait on Y.R.H. If I could be of any +service to Y.R.H., the most eager and anxious wish of my life would be +fulfilled. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: What concert Beethoven alludes to I cannot discover, but no +mention of it being made in the very exact _Allgemeine Leipziger +Musikalische Zeitung_, it appears not to have taken place.] + +[Footnote 2: The new opera, with the subject of which Beethoven was +occupied, was no doubt Treitschke's _Romulus_.] + + +135. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1814. + +My warmest thanks for your present.[1] I only regret that you could not +participate in the music. I have now the honor to send you the score of the +Cantata [see No. 134]. Y.R.H. can keep it for some days, and afterwards I +shall take care that it is copied for you as soon as possible. + +I feel still quite exhausted from fatigue and worry, pleasure and +delight!--all combined! I shall have the honor of waiting on you in the +course of a few days. I hope to hear favorable accounts of Y.R.H.'s health. +How gladly would I sacrifice many nights, were it in my power to restore +you entirely! + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: The present he refers to was probably for the concert of +November 29th, or December 2d, 1814.] + + +136. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1814.[1] + +I see with real pleasure that I may dismiss all fears for your well-being. +As for myself, I hope (always feeling happy when able to give you any +pleasure) that my health is also rapidly recruiting, when I intend +forthwith to compensate both you and myself for the _pauses_ that have +occurred. As for Prince Lobkowitz, his _pauses_ with me still continue, and +I fear he will never again come in at the right place; and in Prague (good +heavens! with regard to Prince Kinsky's affair) they scarcely as yet know +what a figured bass is, for they sing in slow, long-drawn choral notes; +some of these sustained through sixteen bars |======|. As all these +discords seem likely to be very slowly resolved, it is best to bring +forward only those which we can ourselves resolve, and to give up the rest +to inevitable fate. Allow me once more to express my delight at the +recovery of Y.R.H. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: 1814 or 1815. Prince Lobkowitz was still alive at that time +(died December 21st, 1816).] + + +137. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1814. + +As you were so kind as to let me know through Count Troyer[1] that you +would write a few lines on my affairs in Prague to the _Oberstburggraf_ +Count Kolowrat, I take the liberty to enclose my letter to Count K.; I do +not believe that it contains anything to which Y.R.H. will take exception. +There is no chance of my being allowed payment in _Einlösung Schein_, for, +in spite of all the proofs, the guardians cannot be persuaded to consent to +this; still it is to be hoped that by the friendly steps we have meanwhile +had recourse to, _extra-judicially_, a more favorable result may be +obtained,--as, for instance, the rate of the scale to be higher. If, +however, Y.R.H. will either write a few words yourself, or cause it to be +done in your name, the affair will certainly be _much accelerated_, which +induces me earnestly to entreat Y.R.H. to perform your gracious promise to +me. This affair has now gone on for three years, and is still--undecided. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: Count Ferdinand Troyer was one of the Archduke's +chamberlains.] + + +138. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1814. + +I have again for a fortnight past been afflicted with severe headaches, +though constantly hoping to get better, but in vain. Now, however, that the +weather is improved, my physician promises me a speedy cure. Though as each +day I expected to be the last of my suffering, I did not write to you on +the subject; besides, I thought that Y.R.H. probably did not require me, as +it is so long since Y.R.H. sent for me. During the festivities in honor of +the Princess of Baden,[1] and the injury to Y.R.H.'s finger, I began to +work very assiduously, and as the fruit of this, among others, is a new +pianoforte trio.[2] Myself very much occupied, I had no idea that I had +incurred the displeasure of Y.R.H., though I now begin almost to think this +to be the case. In the mean time I hope soon to be able to present myself +before your tribunal. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: The festivities in honor of the Princess of Baden were +probably during the Congress, 1814.] + +[Footnote 2: The new trio, if the one in B flat for the pianoforte, violin, +and violoncello, Op. 97, was first performed on the 11th April, 1814, in +the hall of the "Komischer Kaiser." Letter 139 also mentions this trio, +composed in 1811 and published in July, 1816.] + + +139. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1814. + +I beg you will be so good as to let me have the Trio in B flat with all the +parts, and also both parts of the violin Sonata in G,[1] as I must have +them written out for myself with all speed, not being able to hunt out my +own scores among so many others. I hope that this detestable weather has +had no bad effect on Y.R.H.'s health; I must own that it rather deranges +me. In three or four days at least I shall have the honor to restore both +works to their proper place. + +Do the musical pauses still continue? + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: The Sonata for pianoforte and violin in G major, Op. 96, was +purchased by Haslinger, April 1st, 1815, and published the end of July, +1816. It was composed in 1814--perhaps in 1813. Thayer thinks in 1810.] + + +140. + +TO HERR KAUKA. + +Vienna, Jan. 11, 1815. + +MY GOOD, WORTHY K.,-- + +I received Baron Pasqualati's letter to-day, by which I perceive that you +wish me to defer any fresh measures. In the mean time all the necessary +papers are lodged with Pasqualati; so be so good as to inform him that he +must delay taking any further steps. To-morrow a council is to be held +here, and you and P. shall learn the result probably to-morrow evening. +Meanwhile I wish you to look through the paper I sent to the Court through +Pasqualati, and read the appendix carefully. You will then see that Wolf +and others have not given you correct information. + +One thing is certain, that there are sufficient proofs _for any one who +wishes to be convinced_. How could it ever occur to me _to think of written +legal testimony_ with such a man as Kinsky, whose integrity and generosity +were everywhere acknowledged? I remain, with the warmest affection and +esteem, + +In haste, your friend, + +B. + + +141. + +TO HERR KAUKA. + +1815. + +MY DEAR AND ESTEEMED K.,-- + +What can I think, or say, or feel? As for W. [Wolf], it seems to me that he +not only showed _his weak points_, but gave himself no trouble to conceal +them. It is impossible that he can have drawn up his statement in +accordance with all the actual evidence he had. The order on the treasury +about the rate of exchange was given by Kinsky previous to his consent to +pay me my salary in _Einlösung Schein_, as the documents prove; indeed it +is only necessary to examine the date to show this, so the first +instruction is of importance. The _species facti_ prove that I was more +than six months absent from Vienna. As I was not anxious to get the money, +I allowed the affair to stand over; so the Prince thus forgot to recall his +former order to the treasury, but that he neither forgot his promise to me, +nor to Varnhagen [an officer] in my behalf, is evident by the testimony of +Herr von Oliva, to whom shortly before his departure from hence--and indeed +into another world--he repeated his promise, making an appointment to see +him when he should return to Vienna, in order to arrange the matter with +the treasury, which of course was prevented by his untimely death. + +The testimony of the officer Varnhagen is accompanied by a document (he +being at present with the Russian army), in which he states that he is +prepared to _take his oath_ on the affair. The evidence of Herr Oliva is +also to the effect that he is willing to confirm his evidence by oath +before the Court. As I have sent away the testimony of Col. Count Bentheim, +I am not sure of its tenor, but I believe the Count also says that he is +prepared at any time to make an affidavit on the matter in Court, and I am +myself _ready to swear before the Court_ that Prince Kinsky said to me in +Prague, "he thought it only fair to me that my salary should be paid in +_Einlösung Schein_." These were his own words. + +He gave me himself sixty gold ducats in Prague, on account (good for about +600 florins), as, owing to my state of health, I could remain no longer, +and set off for Töplitz. The Prince's word was _sacred_ in my eyes, never +having heard anything of him to induce me either to bring two witnesses +with me or to ask him for any written pledge. I see from all this that Dr. +Wolf has miserably mismanaged the business, and has not made you +sufficiently acquainted with the papers. + +Now as to the step I have just taken. The Archduke Rudolph asked me some +time since whether the Kinsky affair was yet terminated, having probably +heard something of it. I told him that it looked very bad, as I knew +nothing, absolutely nothing, of the matter. He offered to write himself, +but desired me to add a memorandum, and also to make him acquainted with +all the papers connected with the Kinsky case. After having informed +himself on the affair, he wrote to the _Oberstburggraf_, and enclosed my +letter to him. + +The _Oberstburggraf_ answered both the Duke and myself immediately. In the +letter to me he said "that I was to present a petition to the Provincial +Court of Justice in Prague, along with all the proofs, whence it would be +forwarded to him, and that he would do his utmost to further my cause." He +also wrote in the most polite terms to the Archduke; indeed, he expressly +said "that he was thoroughly cognizant of the late Prince Kinsky's +intentions with regard to me and this affair, and that I might present a +petition," &c. The Archduke instantly sent for me, and desired me to +prepare the document and to show it to him; he also thought that I ought to +solicit payment in _Einlösung Schein_, as there was ample proof, if not in +strictly legal form, of the intentions of the Prince, and no one could +doubt that if he had survived he would have adhered to his promise. If he +[the Archduke] were this day the heir, _he would demand no other proofs +than those already furnished_. I sent this paper to Baron Pasqualati, who +is kindly to present it himself to the Court. Not till after the affair had +gone so far did Dr. Adlersburg receive a letter from Dr. Wolf, in which he +mentioned that he had made a claim for 1500 florins. As we have come so far +as 1500 florins with the _Oberstburggraf_, we may possibly get on to 1800 +florins. I do not esteem this any _favor_, for the late Prince was one of +those who urged me most to refuse a salary of 600 gold ducats per annum, +offered to me from Westphalia; and he said at the time "that he was +resolved I should have no chance of eating hams in Westphalia." Another +summons to Naples somewhat later I equally declined, and I am entitled to +demand a fair compensation for the loss I incurred. If the salary were to +be paid in bank-notes, what should I get? Not 400 florins in +_Conventionsgeld_!!! in lieu of such a salary as 600 ducats! There are +ample proofs for those who wish to act justly; and what does the _Einlösung +Schein_ now amount to??!!! It is even at this moment no equivalent for what +I refused. This affair was pompously announced in all the newspapers while +I was nearly reduced to beggary. The intentions of the Prince are evident, +and in my opinion the family are bound to act in accordance with them +unless they wish to be disgraced. Besides, the revenues have rather +increased than diminished by the death of the Prince; so there is no +sufficient ground for curtailing my salary. + +I received your friendly letter yesterday, but am too weary at this moment +to write all that I feel towards you. I can only commend my case to your +sagacity. It appears that the _Oberstburggraf_ is the chief person; so what +he wrote to the Archduke must be kept a profound secret, for it might not +be advisable that any one should know of it but you and Pasqualati. You +have sufficient cause on looking through the papers to show how improperly +Dr. Wolf has conducted the affair, and that another course of action is +necessary. I rely on your friendship to act as you think best for my +interests. + +Rest assured of my warmest thanks, and pray excuse my writing more to-day, +for a thing of this kind is very fatiguing,--more so than the greatest +musical undertaking. My heart has found something for you to which yours +will respond, and this you shall soon receive. + +Do not forget me, poor tormented creature that I am! and _act for me_ and +_effect for me_ all that is possible. + +With high esteem, your true friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +142. + +TO HERR KAUKA. + +Vienna, Jan. 14, 1815. + +MY GOOD AND WORTHY K.,-- + +The long letter I enclose was written when we were disposed to claim the +1800 florins. Baron Pasqualati's last letter, however, again made me waver, +and Dr. Adlersburg advised me to adhere to the steps already taken; but as +Dr. Wolf writes that he has offered in your name to accept 1500 florins a +year, I beg you will at least make every effort to get that sum. For this +purpose I send you the long letter written before we received Baron P.'s +dissuasive one, as you may discover in it many reasons for demanding _at +least_ the 1500 florins. The Archduke, too, has written a second time to +the _Oberstburggraf_, and we may conclude from his previous reply that he +will certainly exert himself, and that we shall at all events succeed in +getting the 1500 florins. + +Farewell! I cannot write another syllable; such things exhaust me. May your +friendship accelerate this affair!--if it ends badly, then I must leave +Vienna, because I could not possibly live on my income, for here things +have come to such a pass that everything has risen to the highest price, +and that price must be paid. The last two concerts I gave cost me 1508 +florins, and had it not been for the Empress's munificent present I should +scarcely have derived any profit whatever. + +Your faithful friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +143.[1] + +TO THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE LANDRECHT. + +Vienna, 1815. + +GENTLEMEN,-- + +Quite ignorant of law proceedings, and believing that all claims on an +inheritance could not fail to be liquidated, I sent to my lawyer in Prague +[Dr. Kauka] the contract signed by the Archduke Rudolph, Prince Lobkowitz, +and Prince von Kinsky, in which these illustrious personages agreed to +settle on me an annual allowance of 4000 florins. My constant efforts to +obtain a settlement of my claim, and also, as I am bound to admit, my +reproaches to Dr. Kauka for not conducting the affair properly (his +application to the guardians having proved fruitless), no doubt prompted +him to have recourse to law. + +None but those who are fully aware of my esteem for the deceased Prince can +tell how repugnant it is to my feelings to appear as a complainant against +my benefactor. + +Under these circumstances I have recourse to a shorter path, in the +conviction that the guardians of the Prince's estate will be disposed to +mark their appreciation of art, and also their desire to fulfil the +engagements of the late Prince. According to the terms of the contract in +question, the Archduke Rudolph, Prince Lobkowitz, and Prince v. Kinsky +granted me these 4000 florins until I should obtain a situation of equal +value; and further, if by misfortune or old age I was prevented exercising +my art, these distinguished contracting parties secured this pension to me +for life, while I, in return, pledged myself not to leave Vienna. + +This promise was generous, and equally generous was its fulfilment, for no +difficulty ever occurred, and I was in the peaceful enjoyment of my pension +till the Imperial Finance Patent appeared. The consequent alteration in the +currency made no difference in the payments of the Archduke Rudolph, for I +received his share in _Einlösung Schein_, as I had previously done in +bank-notes, without any reference to the new scale. The late illustrious +Prince v. Kinsky also at once assured me that his share (1800 florins) +should also be paid in _Einlösung Schein_. As however, he omitted giving +the order to his cashier, difficulties arose on the subject. Although my +circumstances are not brilliant, I would not have ventured to bring this +claim before the notice of the guardians of the estate, if respectable, +upright men had not received the same pledge from the late Prince's own +lips, namely, that he would pay my past as well as my future claims in +Vienna currency, which is proved by the papers B, C, D, appended to the +pleas. Under these circumstances I leave the guardians to judge whether, +after so implicitly relying on the promise of the deceased Prince, I have +not cause to complain of my delicacy being wounded by the objection +advanced by the curators to the witnesses, from their not having been +present together at the time the promise was made, which is most +distressing to my feelings. + +In order to extricate myself from this most disagreeable lawsuit, I take +the liberty to give an assurance to the guardians that I am prepared, both +as to the past and the future, to be satisfied with the 1800 florins, +Vienna currency; and I flatter myself that these gentlemen will admit that +I on my part make thus no small sacrifice, as it was solely from my esteem +for those illustrious Princes that I selected Vienna for my settled abode, +at a time when the most advantageous offers were made to me elsewhere. + +I therefore request the Court to submit this proposal to the guardians of +the Kinsky estates for their opinion, and to be so good as to inform me of +the result. + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: See No. 94. On the 18th January, 1815, the Court of Justice at +Prague decreed that the trustees of Prince Kinsky's estate should pay to L. +v. Beethoven the sum of 1200 florins W.W. from November 3d, 1812, instead +of the original written agreement of 1800 florins. Dr. Constant, of +Wurzbach, in his _Biographical Austrian Lexicon_, states that Beethoven +dedicated his splendid song _An die Hoffnung_, Op. 94, to Princess Kinsky, +wife of Prince Ferdinand Kinsky, who died in 1812.] + + +144. + +TO BARON VON PASQUALATI. + +January, 1815. + +MY ESTEEMED FRIEND,-- + +I beg you will kindly send me by the bearer the proper form for the Kinsky +receipt (_but sealed_) for 600 florins half-yearly from the month of April. +I intend to send the receipt forthwith to Dr. Kauka in Prague,[1] who on a +former occasion procured the money for me so quickly. I will deduct your +debt from this, but if it be possible to get the money here before the +remittance arrives from Prague, I will bring it at once to you myself. + +I remain, with the most profound esteem, + +Your sincere friend, + +BEETHOVEN + +[Footnote 1: This man, now ninety-four years of age and quite blind, was at +that time Beethoven's counsel in Prague. Pasqualati was that benefactor of +Beethoven's who always kept rooms for him in his house on the Mölker +Bastei, and whose kind aid never deserted him to the close of his life.] + + +145. + +TO HERR KAUKA. + +Vienna, Feb. 24, 1815. + +MY MUCH ESTEEMED K.,-- + +I have repeatedly thanked you through Baron Pasqualati for your friendly +exertions on my behalf, and I now beg to express one thousand thanks +myself. The intervention of the Archduke could not be very palatable to +you, and perhaps has prejudiced you against me. You had already done all +that was possible when the Archduke interfered. If this had been the case +sooner, and we had not employed that one-sided, or many-sided, or +weak-sided Dr. Wolf, then, according to the assurances of the +_Oberstburggraf_ himself, the affair might have had a still more favorable +result. I shall therefore ever and always be grateful to you for your +services. The Court now deduct the sixty ducats I mentioned of my own +accord, and to which the late Prince never alluded either to his treasurer +or any one else. Where truth could injure me it has been accepted, so why +reject it when it could have benefited me? How unfair! Baron Pasqualati +requires information from you on various points. + +I am again very tired to-day, having been obliged to discuss many things +with poor P.; such matters exhaust me more than the greatest efforts in +composition. It is a new field, the soil of which I ought not to be +required to till. This painful business has cost me many tears and much +sorrow. The time draws near when Princess Kinsky must be written to. Now I +must conclude. How rejoiced shall I be when I can write you the pure +effusions of my heart once more; and this I mean to do as soon as I am +extricated from all these troubles. Pray accept again my heartfelt thanks +for all that you have done for me, and continue your regard for + +Your attached friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +146. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1815. + +I heard yesterday, and it was indeed confirmed by meeting Count Troyer, +that Y.R.H. is now here. I therefore send the dedication of the Trio [in B +flat] to Y.R.H., whose name is inscribed on it; but all my works on which I +place any value, though the name does not appear, are equally designed for +Y.R.H. I trust, however, that you will not think I have a motive in saying +this,--men of high rank being apt to suspect self-interest in such +expressions,--and I mean on this occasion to risk the imputation so far as +_appearances_ go, by at once asking a favor of Y.R.H. My well-grounded +reasons for so doing you will no doubt at once perceive, and graciously +vouchsafe to grant my request. I have been very much indisposed in Baden +since the beginning of last October; indeed, from the 5th of October I have +been entirely confined to my bed, or to my room, till about a week ago. I +had a very serious inflammatory cold, and am still able to go out very +little, which has also been the cause of my not writing to Y.R.H. in +Kremsir. May all the blessings that Heaven can shower upon earth attend +you. + +[K.] + + + + +SECOND PART. + + +LIFE'S MISSION. + +1815 TO 1822. + + + + +PART II. + + +147. + +WRITTEN IN SPOHR'S ALBUM.[1] + +Vienna, March 3, 1815. + +[Music: Treble clef, F Major, 3/4 time. +Kurz, kurz, kurz, kurz ist der Schmerz, der Schmerz, +e-wig, e-wig ist die Freu-de, ist die Freu-de, +ja die Freu-de, e-wig ist die Freu-de. +Kurz, kurz, kurz, kurz ist der Schmerz, der Schmerz, der Schmerz, +e-wig, e-wig ist die Freu-de, ist die Freu-de, +e-wig ist die Freude, e-wig, e-wig ist die Freu-de. +Kurz, kurz, kurz, kurz ist der Schmerz, der Schmerz, der Schmerz, +e-wig, e-wig ist die Freude, e-wig ist die Freu-de.] + +Whenever, dear Spohr, you chance to find true art and true artists, may you +kindly remember + +Your friend, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: From the fac-simile in Spohr's _Autobiography_, Vol. I.] + + +148. + +TO HERR KAUKA. + +Vienna, April 8, 1815. + +It seems scarcely admissible to be on the friendly terms on which I +consider myself with you, and yet to be on such unfriendly ones that we +should live close to each other and never meet!!!!![1] You write "_tout à +vous_." Oh! you humbug! said I. No! no! it is really too bad. I should like +to thank you 9000 times for all your efforts on my behalf, and to reproach +you 20,000 that you came and went as you did. So all is a delusion! +friendship, kingdom, empire; all is only a vapor which every breeze wafts +into a different form!! Perhaps I may go to Töplitz, but it is not certain. +I might take advantage of that opportunity to let the people of Prague hear +something--what think you? if _indeed you still think of me at all_! As the +affair with Lobkowitz is now also come to a close, we may write _Finis_, +though it far from _fine is_ for me. + +Baron Pasqualati will no doubt soon call on you again; he also has taken +much trouble on my account. Yes, indeed! it is easy to talk of _justice_, +but to obtain it from others is _no easy matter_. In what way can I be of +service to you in my own art? Say whether you prefer my celebrating the +monologue of a fugitive king, or the perjury of a usurper--or the true +friends, who, though near neighbors, never saw each other? In the hope of +soon hearing from you--for being now so far asunder it is easier to hold +intercourse than when nearer!--I remain, with highest esteem, + +Your ever-devoted friend, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Kauka evidently had been recently in Vienna without visiting +Beethoven.] + + +149. + +TO HERR KAUKA. + +1815. + +MY DEAR AND WORTHY K.,-- + +I have just received from the Syndic Baier in R. the good news that you +told him yourself about Prince F.K. As for the rest, you shall be perfectly +satisfied. + +I take the liberty to ask you again to look after my interests with the +Kinsky family, and I subjoin the necessary receipt for this purpose [see +No. 144]. Perhaps some other way may be found, though it does not as yet +occur to me, by means of which I need not importune you in future. On the +15th October [1815] I was attacked by an inflammatory cold, from the +consequences of which I still suffer, and my art likewise; but it is to be +hoped that I shall now gradually recover, and at all events be able once +more to display the riches of my little realm of sweet sounds. Yet I am +very poor in all else--owing to the times? to poverty of spirit? or +what???? Farewell! Everything around disposes us to _profound silence_; but +this shall not be the case as to the bond of friendship and soul that +unites us. I loudly proclaim myself, now as ever, + +Your loving friend and admirer, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +150. + +TO HERR KAUKA. + +1815. + +MY MOST WORTHY FRIEND,-- + +My second letter follows that of yesterday, May 2d. Pasqualati tells me +to-day, after the lapse of a month and six days, that the house of +Ballabene is too _high and mighty_ to assist me in this matter. I must +therefore appeal to your _insignificance_ (as I myself do not hesitate to +be so mean as to serve other people). My house-rent amounts to 550 florins, +and must be paid out of the sum in question. + +As soon as the newly engraved pianoforte pieces appear, you shall receive +copies, and also of the "Battle," &c., &c. Forgive me, forgive me, my +generous friend; some other means must be found to forward this affair with +due promptitude. + +In haste, your friend and admirer, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +151. + +TO MR. SALOMON,--LONDON.[1] + +Vienna, June 1, 1815. + +MY GOOD FELLOW-COUNTRYMAN,-- + +I always hoped to meet you one day in London, but many obstacles have +intervened to prevent the fulfilment of this wish, and as there seems now +no chance of such a thing, I hope you will not refuse a request of mine, +which is that you will be so obliging as to apply to some London publisher, +and offer him the following works of mine. Grand Trio for piano, violin, +and violoncello [Op. 97], 80 ducats. Pianoforte Sonata, with violin +accompaniment [Op. 96], 60 ducats. Grand Symphony in A (one of my very +best); a short Symphony in F [the 8th]; Quartet for two violins, viola, and +violoncello in F minor [Op. 95]; Grand Opera in score, 30 ducats. Cantata +with Choruses and Solos ["The Glorious Moment"], 30 ducats. Score of the +"Battle of Vittoria" and "Wellington's Victory," 80 ducats; also the +pianoforte arrangement of the same, if not already published, which, I am +told here, is the case. I have named the prices of some of these works, on +a scale which I hold to be suitable for England, but I leave it to you to +say what sum should be asked both for these and the others. I hear, indeed, +that Cramer [John, whose pianoforte-playing was highly estimated by +Beethoven] is also a publisher, but my scholar Ries lately wrote to me that +Cramer not long since _publicly expressed his disapproval of my works_: I +trust from no motive but that of _being of service to art_, and if so I +have no right to object to his doing this. If, however, Cramer should wish +to possess any of my _pernicious_ works, I shall be as well satisfied with +him as with any other publisher; but I reserve the right to give these +works to be published here, so that they may appear at the same moment in +London and Vienna. + +Perhaps you may also be able to point out to me in what way I can recover +from the Prince Regent [afterwards George IV.] the expenses of transcribing +the "Battle Symphony" on Wellington's victory at Vittoria, to be dedicated +to him, for I have long ago given up all hope of receiving anything from +that quarter. I have not even been deemed worthy of an answer, whether I am +to be authorized to dedicate the work to the Prince Regent; and when at +last I propose to publish it here, I am informed that it has already +appeared in London. What a fatality for an author!!! While the English and +German papers are filled with accounts of the success of the work, as +performed at Drury Lane, and that theatre drawing great receipts from it, +the author has not one friendly line to show, not even payment for the cost +of copying the work, and is thus deprived of all profit.[2] For if it be +true that the pianoforte arrangement is soon to be published by a German +publisher, copied from the London one, then I lose both my fame and my +_honorarium_. The well-known generosity of your character leads me to hope +that you will take some interest in the matter, and actively exert yourself +on my behalf. + +The inferior paper-money of this country is now reduced to one fifth of its +value, and I am paid according to this scale. After many struggles and +considerable loss, I at length succeeded in obtaining the full value; but +at this moment the old paper-money has again risen far beyond the fifth +part, so that it is evident my salary becomes for the second time almost +_nil_, and there is no hope of any compensation. My whole income is derived +from my works. If I could rely on a good sale in England, it would +doubtless be very beneficial to me. Pray be assured of my boundless +gratitude. I hope soon, very soon, to hear from you. + +I am, with esteem, your sincere friend, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: J.P. Salomon was likewise a native of Bonn, and one of the +most distinguished violin-players of his time. He had been Kapellmeister to +Prince Heinrich of Prussia, and then went to London, where he was very +active in the introduction of German music. It was through his agency that +Beethoven's connection with Birchall, the music publisher, first commenced, +to whom a number of his letters are addressed.] + +[Footnote 2: Undoubtedly the true reading of these last words, which in the +copy before me are marked as "difficult to decipher."] + + +152. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1815. + +Pray forgive my asking Y.R.H. to send me the two Sonatas with violin +_obbligato_[1] which I caused to be transcribed for Y.R.H. I require them +only for a few days, when I will immediately return them. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: If by the two Sonatas for the pianoforte with violoncello +_obbligato_, Op. 102 is meant, they were composed in July-August, 1815, and +appeared on Jan. 13th, 1819. The date of the letter appears also to be +1815.] + + +153. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1815. + +I beg you will kindly send me the Sonata in E minor,[1] as I wish to +correct it. On Monday I shall inquire for Y.R.H. in person. _Recent +occurrences_[2] render it indispensable to complete many works of mine +about to be engraved as quickly as possible; besides, my health is only +partially restored. I earnestly entreat Y.R.H. to desire _some one_ to +write me a few lines as to the state of your own health. I trust I shall +hear a better--nay, the best report of it. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: The letters 152 and 153 speak sometimes expressly of the +pianoforte Sonata in E minor, Op. 90, these being engraved or under +revision, and sometimes only indicate them. This Sonata, dedicated to Count +Lichnowsky, was composed on August 14th, 1814, and published in June, +1815.] + +[Footnote 2: What "recent occurrences" Beethoven alludes to, unless indeed +his well-known misfortunes as to his salary and guardianship we cannot +discover.] + + +154. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1815. + +You must almost think my illness a mere fiction, but that is assuredly not +the case. I am obliged always to come home early in the evening. The first +time that Y.R.H. was graciously pleased to send for me, I came home +immediately afterwards, but feeling much better since then, I made an +attempt the evening before last to stay out a little later. If Y.R.H. does +not countermand me, I intend to have the honor of waiting on you this +evening at five o'clock. I will bring the new Sonata with me, merely for +to-day, for it is so soon to be engraved that it is not worth while to have +it written out. + +[K.] + + +155. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1815. + +I intended to have given you this letter myself, but my personal attendance +might possibly be an intrusion; so I take the liberty once more to urge on +Y.R.H. the request it contains. I should also be glad if Y.R.H. would send +me back my last MS. Sonata, for as I _must_ publish it, it would be labor +lost to have it transcribed, and I shall soon have the pleasure of +presenting it to you engraved. I will call again in a few days. I trust +these joyous times may have a happy influence on your precious health. + +[K.] + + +156. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +Vienna, July 23, 1815. + +When you were recently in town, the enclosed Chorus[1] occurred to me. I +hurried home to write it down, but was detained longer in doing so than I +at first expected, and thus, to my great sorrow, I missed Y.R.H. The bad +custom I have followed from childhood, instantly to write down my first +thoughts, otherwise they not unfrequently go astray, has been an injury to +me on this occasion. I therefore send Y.R.H. my impeachment and my +justification, and trust I may find grace in your eyes. I hope soon to +present myself before Y.R.H., and to inquire after a health so precious to +us all. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: In 1815 the Chorus of _Die Meeresstille_ was composed by +Beethoven. Was this the chorus which occurred to him? The style of the +letter leaves his meaning quite obscure.] + + +157. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +1815. + +It is neither presumption, nor the pretension of advocating any one's +cause, still less from the wish of arrogating to myself the enjoyment of +any especial favor with Y.R.H., that induces me to make a suggestion which +is in itself very simple. Old Kraft[1] was with me yesterday; he wished to +know if it were possible for him to be lodged in your palace, in return for +which he would be at Y.R.H.'s service as often as you please it. He has +lived for twenty years in the house of Prince Lobkowitz, and during a great +part of that time he received no salary; he is now obliged to vacate his +rooms without receiving any compensation whatever. The position of the poor +deserving old man is hard, and I should have considered myself equally +hard, had I not ventured to lay his case before you. Count Troyer will +request an answer from Y.R.H. As the object in view is to brighten the lot +of a fellow-creature, pray forgive your, &c., &c. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: Old Kraft was a clever violoncello-player who had an +appointment in Prince Lobkowitz's band, but when the financial crisis +occurred in the Prince's affairs he lost his situation, and was obliged to +give up his lodging.] + + +158. + +WRITTEN IN ENGLISH TO MR. BIRCHALL, MUSIC PUBLISHER, LONDON. + +Mr. Beethoven send word to Mr. Birchall that it is severall days past that +he has sent for London Wellington's Battel Sinphonie and that Mr. +B[irchall] may send for it at Thomas Coutts. Mr. Beethoven wish Mr. B. +would make ingrave the sayd Sinphonie so soon as possible and send him word +in time the day it will be published that he may prevend in time the +Publisher in Vienna. + +In regard the 3. Sonata which Mr. Birchall receive afterwerths there is not +wanted such a g't hurry and Mr. B. will take the liberty to fixe the day +when the are to be published. + +Mr. B[irchall] sayd that Mr. Salomon has a good many tings to say +concerning the Synphonie in G [? A]. + +Mr. B[eethoven] wish for a answer so soon as possible concerning the days +of the publication. + + +159. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +October 16, 1815. + +I only wish to let you know that I am _here_, and not _elsewhere_, and wish +in return to hear if you are _elsewhere_ or _here_. I should be glad to +speak to you for a few minutes when I know that you are at home and alone. +_Farewell_--but not _too well_--sublime Commandant Pacha of various +mouldering fortresses!!! + +In haste, your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +160. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +Nov. 16, 1815. + +Since yesterday afternoon I have been lying in a state of exhaustion, owing +to my great distress of mind caused by the sudden death of my unhappy +brother. It was impossible for me to send an answer to Y.R.H. yesterday, +and I trust you will graciously receive my present explanation. I expect, +however, certainly to wait on Y.R.H. to-morrow. + +[K.] + + +161. + +TO THE MESSRS. BIRCHALL,--LONDON. + +Vienna, Nov. 22, 1815. + +You will herewith receive the pianoforte arrangement of the Symphony in A. +"Wellington's Battle Symphony," and "Victory at Vittoria" were sent a month +since, through Herr Neumann, to the care of Messrs. Coutts; so you have no +doubt received them long ere this. + +In the course of a fortnight you shall have the Trio and Sonata, when you +are requested to pay into the hands of Messrs. Coutts the sum of 130 gold +ducats. I beg you will make no delay in bringing out these works, and +likewise let me know on what day the "Wellington Symphony" is to appear, so +that I may take my measures here accordingly. I am, with esteem, + +Your obedient + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +162. + +TO RIES. + +Vienna, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 1815. + +MY DEAR RIES,-- + +I hasten to apprise you that I have to-day forwarded by post the pianoforte +arrangement of the Symphony in A, to the care of Messrs Coutts. As the +Court is absent, few, indeed almost no couriers go from here; moreover, the +post is the safest way. The Symphony ought to be brought out about March; +the precise day I will fix myself. So much time has already been lost on +this occasion that I could not give an earlier notice of the period of +publication. The Trio in [??] and the violin Sonata may be allowed more +time, and both will be in London a few weeks hence. I earnestly entreat +you, dear Ries, to take charge of these matters, and also to see that I get +the money; I require it, and it costs me a good deal before all is sent +off. + +I have lost 600 florins of my yearly salary; at the time of the +_bank-notes_ there was no loss, but then came the _Einlösungsscheine_ +[reduced paper-money], which deprives me of these 600 florins, after +entailing on me several years of annoyance, and now the total loss of my +salary. We are at present arrived at a point when the _Einlösungsscheine_ +are even lower than the _bank-notes_ ever were. I pay 1000 florins for +house-rent: you may thus conceive all the misery caused by paper-money. + +My poor unhappy brother [Carl v. Beethoven, a cashier in Vienna] is just +dead [Nov. 15th, 1815]; he had a bad wife. For some years past he has been +suffering from consumption, and from my wish to make his life less irksome +I may compute what I gave him at 10,000 florins (_Wiener Währung_). This +indeed does not seem much to an Englishman, but it is a great deal for a +poor German, or rather Austrian. The unhappy man was latterly much changed, +and I must say I lament him from my heart, though I rejoice to think I left +nothing undone that could contribute to his comfort. + +Tell Mr. Birchall that he is to repay the postage of my letters to you and +Mr. Salomon, and also yours to me; he may deduct this from the sum he owes +me; I am anxious that those who work for me should lose as little as +possible by it. "Wellington's Victory at Vittoria"[1] must have arrived +long ago through the Messrs. Coutts. Mr. Birchall need not send payment +till he is in possession of all the works; only do not delay letting me +know when the day is fixed for the publication of the pianoforte +arrangement. For to-day, I only further earnestly recommend my affairs to +your care; I shall be equally at your service at any time. Farewell, dear +Ries. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: "This is also to be the title of the pianoforte arrangement." +(Note by Beethoven.)] + + +163. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Jan. 1816. + +MY GOOD ZMESKALL,-- + +I was shocked to discover to-day that I had omitted replying to a proposal +from the "Society of Friends to Music in the Austrian States" to write an +Oratorio for them. + +The death of my brother two months ago, which, owing to the guardianship of +my nephew having devolved on me, has involved me in all sorts of annoyances +and perplexities, has caused this delay in my answer. In the mean time, the +poem of Herr van Seyfried is already begun, and I purpose shortly to set it +to music. I need not tell you how very flattering I consider such a +commission, for how could I think otherwise? and I shall endeavor to acquit +myself as honorably as my poor talents will admit of. + +_With regard to our artistic resources_, when the time for the performance +arrives I shall certainly take into consideration those usually at our +disposal, without, however, strictly limiting myself to them. I hope I have +made myself clearly understood on this point. As I am urged to say what +gratuity I require in return, I beg to know whether the Society will +consider 400 gold ducats a proper remuneration for such a work? I once more +entreat the forgiveness of the Society for the delay in my answer, but I am +in some degree relieved by knowing that, at all events, you, my dear +friend, have already verbally apprised the Society of my readiness to write +a work of the kind.[1] + +Ever, my worthy Z., your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: In the _Fischof'sche Handschrift_ we are told:--"The allusion +to 'our artistic resources' requires some explanation. Herr v. Zmeskall had +at that time received instructions to give a hint to the great composer +(who paid little regard to the difficulty of executing his works) that he +must absolutely take into consideration the size of the orchestra, which at +grand concerts amounted to 700 performers. The Society only stipulated for +the exclusive right to the work for one year, and did not purchase the +copyright; they undertook the gratuity for the poem also, so they were +obliged to consult their pecuniary resources, and informed the composer +that they were prepared to give him 200 gold ducats for the use of the work +for a year, as they had proposed. Beethoven was quite satisfied, and made +no objection whatever; he received an advance on this sum according to his +own wish, the receipt of which he acknowledged in 1819. Beethoven rejected +the first poem selected, and desired to have another. The Society left his +choice quite free. Herr Bernhard undertook to supply a new one. Beethoven +and he consulted together in choosing the subject, but Herr Bernhard, +overburdened by other business, could only send the poem bit by bit. +Beethoven, however, would not begin till the whole was in his hands."] + + +164. + +TO MDLLE. MILDER-HAUPTMANN.[1] + +Vienna, Jan. 6, 1816. + +MY HIGHLY VALUED MDLLE. MILDER, MY DEAR FRIEND,-- + +I have too long delayed writing to you. How gladly would I personally +participate in the enthusiasm you excite at Berlin in "Fidelio!" A thousand +thanks on my part for having so faithfully adhered to _my_ "Fidelio." If +you will ask Baron de la Motte-Fouqué, in my name, to discover a good +subject for an opera, and one suitable likewise to yourself, you will do a +real service both to me and to the German stage; it is also my wish to +write it expressly for the _Berlin Theatre_, as no new opera can ever +succeed in being properly given here under this very penurious direction. +Answer me soon, very soon--quickly, very quickly--as quickly as +possible--as quick as lightning--and say whether such a thing is +practicable. Herr Kapellmeister B. praised you up to the skies to me, and +he is right; well may he esteem himself happy who has the privilege of +enjoying your muse, your genius, and all your splendid endowments and +talents;--it is thus I feel. Be this as it may, those around can only call +themselves your fellow-creatures [Nebenmann], whereas I alone have a right +to claim the honored name of captain [_Hauptmann_]. + +In my secret heart, your true friend and admirer, + +BEETHOVEN. + +My poor unfortunate brother is dead, which has been the cause of my long +silence. As soon as you have replied to this letter, I will write myself to +Baron de la Motte-Fouqué. No doubt your influence in Berlin will easily +obtain for me a commission to write a grand opera (in which you shall be +especially studied) on favorable terms; but do answer me soon, that I may +arrange my other occupations accordingly. + +[Music: Tenor clef, C Major, 4/4 time. +Ich küs-se Sie, drü-cke Sie an's Herz! +Ich der Haupt-mann, der Haupt-mann.] + +Away with all other false _Hauptmänner_! [captains.] + +[Footnote 1: Mdlle. Milder married Hauptmann, a jeweller in Munich, in +1810, travelled in 1812, and was engaged at Berlin in 1816.] + + +165. + +TO RIES + +Vienna, Jan. 20, 1816. + +DEAR RIES,-- + +The Symphony is to be dedicated to the Empress of Russia. The pianoforte +score of the Symphony in A must not, however, appear before June, for the +publisher here cannot be ready sooner. Pray, dear Ries, inform Mr. Birchall +of this at once. The Sonata with violin accompaniment, which will be sent +from here by the next post, can likewise be published in London in May, but +the Trio at a later date (it follows by the next post); I will myself name +the time for its publication. And now, dear Ries, pray receive my heartfelt +thanks for your kindness, and especially for the corrections of the proofs. +May Heaven bless you more and more, and promote your progress, in which I +take the most sincere interest. My kind regards to your wife. Now as ever, + +Your sincere friend, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +166. + +TO MR. BIRCHALL,--LONDON. + +Vienne, le 3. Febr. den 1816 + +VOUS RECEUES CI JOINT-- + +Le grand Trio p. Pf. V. et Vllo. Sonata pour Pf. et Violin--qui form le +reste de ce qu'il vous a plus à me comettre. Je vous prie de vouloir payer +la some de 130 Ducats d'Holland come le poste lettre a Mr. Th. Cutts et Co. +de votre ville e de me croire avec toute l'estime et consideration + +Votre tres humble Serviteur, + +LOUIS VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +167. + +TO CZERNY.[1] + +MY DEAR CZERNY,-- + +Pray give the enclosed to your parents for the dinners the boy had recently +at your house; I positively will not accept these _gratis_. Moreover, I am +very far from wishing that your lessons should remain without +remuneration,--even those already given must be reckoned up and paid for; +only I beg you to have a little patience for a time, as nothing can be +_demanded_ from the widow, and I had and still have heavy expenses to +defray;--but I _borrow_ from you for the moment only. The boy is to be with +you to-day, and I shall come later. + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Carl Czerny, the celebrated pianist and composer, for whom +Beethoven wrote a testimonial in 1805 (see No. 42). He gave lessons to +Beethoven's nephew in 1815, and naturally protested against any payment, +which gave rise to the expressions on the subject in many of his notes to +Czerny, of which there appear to be a great number.] + + +168. + +TO CZERNY.[1] + +Vienna, Feb. 12, 1816. + +DEAR CZERNY,-- + +I cannot see you to-day, but I will call to-morrow being desirous to talk +to you. I spoke out so bluntly yesterday that I much regretted it +afterwards. But you must forgive this on the part of an author, who would +have preferred hearing his work as he wrote it, however charmingly you +played it. I will, however, _amply_ atone for this by the violoncello +Sonata.[2] + +Rest assured that I cherish the greatest regard for you as an artist, and I +shall always endeavor to prove this. + +Your true friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Czerny, in the _A.M. Zeitung_, 1845, relates:--"On one +occasion (in 1812), at Schuppanzigh's concert, when playing Beethoven's +quintet with wind-instruments, I took the liberty, in my youthful levity, +to make many alterations,--such as introducing difficulties into the +passages, making use of the upper octaves, &c., &c. Beethoven sternly and +deservedly reproached me for this, in the presence of Schuppanzigh, Linke, +and the other performers."] + +[Footnote 2: Opera 69, which Czerny (see _A.M. Zeitung_) was to perform +with Linke the following week.] + + +169. + +TO RIES,--LONDON. + +Vienna, Feb. 28, 1816. + +... For some time past I have been far from well; the loss of my brother +affected both my spirits and my works. Salomon's death grieves me much, as +he was an excellent man whom I have known from my childhood. You are his +executor by will, while I am the guardian of my late poor brother's child. +You can scarcely have had as much vexation from Salomon's death as I have +had from that of my brother!--but I have the sweet consolation of having +rescued a poor innocent child from the hands of an unworthy mother. +Farewell, dear Ries; if I can in any way serve you, look on me as + +Your true friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +170. + +TO GIANNATASIO DEL RIO,--VIENNA. + +Feb. 1816. + +SIR,-- + +I have great pleasure in saying that at last I intend to-morrow to place +under your care the dear pledge intrusted to me. But I must impress on you +not to permit any influence on the mother's part to decide when and where +she is to see her son. We can, however, discuss all this more minutely +to-morrow.... You must keep a watchful eye on your servant, for mine was +_bribed by her_ on one occasion. More as to this verbally, though it is a +subject on which I would fain be silent; but the future welfare of the +youth you are to train renders this unpleasant communication necessary. I +remain, with esteem, + +Your faithful servant and friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +171. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +1816. + +Your estimable lady, Mdme. A.G. [Giannatasio] is politely requested to let +the undersigned know as soon as possible (that I may not be obliged to keep +it all in my head) how many pairs of stockings, trousers, shoes, and +drawers are required, and how many yards of kerseymere to make a pair of +black trousers for my tall nephew; and for the sake of the "Castalian +Spring" I beg, without any further reminders on my part, that I may receive +an answer to this. + +As for the Lady Abbess [a nickname for their only daughter], there shall be +a conference held on Carl's affair to-night, viz., if things are to +continue as they are. + +Your well (and ill) born + +BEETHOVEN. + + +172. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +1816. + +I heard yesterday evening, unluckily at too late an hour, that you had +something to give me; had it not been for this, I would have called on you. +I beg, however, that you will send it, as I have no doubt it is a letter +for me from the "Queen of the Night."[1] Although you gave me permission to +fetch Carl twice already, I must ask you to let him come to me when I send +for him at eleven o'clock to-morrow, as I wish to take him with me to hear +some interesting music. It is also my intention to make him play to me +to-morrow, as it is now some time since I heard him. I hope you will urge +him to study more closely than usual to-day, that he may in some degree +make up for his holiday. I embrace you cordially, and remain, + +Yours truly, + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: The "Queen of the Night" was the name given to Carl's mother +by Beethoven. She was a person of great levity of conduct and bad +reputation, and every effort was made by Beethoven to withdraw her son from +her influence, on which account he at once removed him from her care, and +placed him in this institution. She consequently appealed to the law +against him,--the first step in a long course of legal proceedings of the +most painful nature.] + + +173. + +TO G. DEL RIO.[1] + +1816. + +I send you, dear sir, the cloak, and also a school-book of my Carl's, and +request you will make out a list of his clothes and effects, that I may +have it copied for myself, being obliged, as his guardian, to look +carefully after his property. I intend to call for Carl to-morrow about +half-past twelve o'clock, to take him to a little concert, and wish him to +dine with me afterwards, and shall bring him back myself. With respect to +his mother, I desire that _under the pretext_ of the boy being _so busy_, +you will not let her see him; no man on earth can know or judge of this +matter better than myself, and by any other line of conduct all my +well-matured plans for the welfare of the child might be materially +injured. I will myself discuss with you when the mother is henceforth to +have access to Carl, for I am anxious on every account to prevent the +occurrence of yesterday ever being repeated. I take all the responsibility +on myself; indeed, so far as I am concerned, the Court conferred on me full +powers, and the authority at once to counteract anything adverse to the +welfare of the boy. If they could have looked on her in the light of an +estimable mother, they assuredly would not have excluded her from the +guardianship of her child. Whatever she may think fit to assert, nothing +has been done in a clandestine manner against her. There was but one voice +in the whole council on the subject. I hope to have no further trouble in +this matter, for the burden is already heavy enough. + +From a conversation I had yesterday with Adlersburg [his lawyer], it would +appear that a long time must yet elapse before the Court can decide what +really belongs to the child. In addition to all these anxieties am I also +to endure a persecution such as I have recently experienced, and from which +I thought I _was entirely rescued by your Institution_? Farewell! + +I am, with esteem, your obedient + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Beethoven's arbitrary authority had been previously sanctioned +by a decree of the Court, and the mother deprived of all power over her +son.] + + +174. + +TO FERDINAND RIES,--LONDON. + +Vienna, March 8, 1816. + +My answer has been too long delayed; but I was ill, and had a great press +of business. Not a single farthing is yet come of the ten gold ducats, and +I now almost begin to think that the English are only liberal when in +foreign countries. It is the same with the Prince Regent, who has not even +sent me the cost of copying my "Battle Symphony," nor one verbal or written +expression of thanks. My whole income consists of 3400 florins in +paper-money. I pay 1100 for house-rent, and 900 to my servant and his wife; +so you may reckon for yourself what remains. Besides this, the entire +maintenance of my young nephew devolves on me. At present he is at school, +which costs 1100 florins, and is by no means a good one; so that I must +arrange a proper household and have him with me. How much money must be +made to live at all here! and yet there seems no end to +it--because!--because!--because!--but you know well what I mean. + +Some commissions from the Philharmonic would be very acceptable to me, +besides, the concert. Now let me say that my dear scholar Ries must set to +work and dedicate something valuable to me, to which his master may +respond, and repay him in his own coin. How can I send you my portrait? My +kind regards to your wife. I, alas! have none. One alone I wished to +possess, but never shall I call her mine![1] This, however, has not made me +a woman-hater. + +Your true friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: See the statement of Fräulein del Rio in the _Grenzboten_. We +read:--"My father's idea was that marriage alone could remedy the sad +condition of Beethoven's household matters; so he asked him whether he knew +any one, &c., &c. Our long-existing presentiment was then realized." His +love was unfortunate. Five years ago he had become acquainted with a person +with whom he would have esteemed it the highest felicity of his life to +have entered into closer ties; but it was vain to think of it, being almost +an impossibility! a chimera! and yet his feelings remained the same as the +very first day he had seen her! He added, "that never before had he found +such harmony! but no declaration had ever been made, not being able to +prevail on himself to do so." This conversation took place in Sept. 1816, +at Helenenthal, in Baden, and the person to whom he alluded was undoubtedly +Marie L. Pachler-Koschak in Gratz. (See No. 80.)] + + +175. + +TO F. RIES. + +Vienna, April 3, 1816. + +Neate[1] is no doubt in London by this time. He took several of my works +with him, and promised to do the best he could for me. + +The Archduke Rudolph [Beethoven's pupil, see No. 70] also plays your works +with me, my dear Ries; of these "Il Sogno" especially pleased us. Farewell! +Remember me to your charming wife, and to any fair English ladies who care +to receive my greetings. + +Your true friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Charles Neate, a London artist, as Schindler styles him in his +_Biography_ (II. 254), was on several different occasions for some time +resident in Vienna, and very intimate with Beethoven, whom he tried to +persuade to come to London. He also was of great service in promoting the +sale of his works. A number of Neate's letters, preserved in the Berlin +State Library, testify his faithful and active devotion and attachment to +the master.] + + +176. + +POWER OF ATTORNEY. + +Vienna, May 2, 1816. + +I authorize Herr v. Kauka, Doctor of Laws in the kingdom of Bohemia, +relying on his friendship, to obtain for me the receipt of 600 florins +W.W., payable at the treasury of Prince Kinsky, from the house of Ballabene +in Prague, and after having drawn the money to transmit the same to me as +soon as possible. + +Witness my hand and seal. + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +177. + +TO F. RIES. + +Vienna, June 11, 1816. + +MY DEAR RIES,-- + +I regret much to put you to the expense of postage on my account; gladly as +I assist and serve every one, I am always unwilling myself to have recourse +to others. I have as yet seen nothing of the ten ducats, whence I draw the +inference that in England, just as with us, there are idle talkers who +prove false to their word. I do not at all blame you in this matter. I have +not heard a syllable from Neate; so I do wish you would ask him whether he +has disposed of the F minor Concerto. I am almost ashamed to allude to the +other works I intrusted to him, and equally so of myself, for having given +them to him so confidingly, devoid of all conditions save those suggested +by his own friendship and zeal for my interests. + +A translation has been sent to me of an article in the "Morning Chronicle" +on the performance of the Symphony. Probably it will be the same as to this +and all the other works Neate took with him as with the "Battle Symphony;" +the only profit I shall derive will be reading a notice of their +performance in the newspapers. + + +178. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +1816. + +MY WORTHY G.,-- + +I beg you will send Carl to me with the bearer of this letter; otherwise I +shall not be able to see him all day, which would be contrary to his own +interest, as my influence seems to be required; in the same view, I beg you +will give him a few lines with a report of his conduct, so that I may enter +at once on any point where improvement is necessary. + +I am going to the country to-day, and shall not return till rather late at +night; being always unwilling to infringe your rules, I beg you will send +some night-things with Carl, so that if we return too late to bring him to +you to-day, I can keep him all night, and take him back to you myself early +next morning. + +In haste, always yours, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +179. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +1816. + +I must apologize to you, my good friend, for Carl having come home at so +late an hour. We were obliged to wait for a person who arrived so late that +it detained us, but I will not soon repeat this breach of your rules. As to +Carl's mother, I have now decided that your wish not to see her again in +your house shall be acceded to. This course is far more safe and judicious +for our dear Carl, experience having taught me that every visit from his +mother leaves a root of bitterness in the boy's heart, which may injure, +but never can benefit him. I shall strive to arrange occasional meetings at +my house, which is likely to result in everything being entirely broken off +with her. As we thoroughly agree on the subject of Carl's mother, we can +mutually decide on the mode of his education. + +Your true friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +180. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +Vienna, July 11, 1816. + +Your kindness towards me induces me to hope that you will not attribute to +any _selfish_ design on my part the somewhat audacious (though only as to +the surprise) dedication annexed. The work[1] was written for Y.R.H., or +rather, it owes its existence to you, and this the world (the musical +world) ought to know. I shall soon have the honor of waiting on Y.R.H. in +Baden. Notwithstanding all the efforts of my physician, who will not allow +me to leave this, the weakness in my chest is no better, though my general +health is improved. I hope to hear all that is cheering of your own health, +about which I am always so much interested. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: Does Beethoven here allude to the dedication of the Sonata for +pianoforte and violin in G major, Op. 96, which, though sold to a publisher +in April, 1815, was designated as quite new in the _Allgemeine Zeitung_ on +July, 29, 1816?] + + +181. + +WRITTEN IN ENGLISH TO MR. BIRCHALL. + +1816. + +Received, March, 1816, of Mr. Robert Birchall, music-seller, 133 New Bond +Street, London, the sum of one hundred and thirty gold Dutch ducats, value +in English currency sixty-five pounds, for all my copyright and interest, +present and future, vested or contingent, or otherwise within the United +kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in the four following compositions or +pieces of music composed or arranged by me, viz.:-- + +1st. A Grand Battle Sinfonia, descriptive of the battle and victory at +Vittoria, adapted for the pianoforte and dedicated to his Royal Highness +the Prince Regent--40 ducats. + +2d. A Grand Symphony in the key of A, adapted to the pianoforte and +dedicated to-- + +3d. A Grand Trio for the pianoforte, violin, and violoncello in the key of +B. + +4th. A Sonata for the pianoforte, with an accompaniment for the violin in +the key of G, dedicated to-- + +And, in consideration of such payment I hereby, for myself, my executors, +and administrators, promise and engage to execute a proper anignment +thereof to him, his executors and administrators or anignees, at his or +their request and costs, as he or they shall direct. And I likewise promise +and engage as above, that none of the above shall be published in any +foreign country, before the time and day fixed and agreed on for such +publication between R. Birchall and myself shall arrive. + +L. VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +182. + +WRITTEN IN FRENCH TO MR. BIRCHALL,--LONDON. + +Vienne 22. Juilliet, 1816. + +MONSIEUR,-- + +J'ai reçu la déclaration de proprieté de mes Oeuvres entierement cedé a +Vous pour y adjoindre ma Signature. Je suis tout a fait disposer a seconder +vos voeux si tôt, que cette affaire sera entierement en ordre, en egard de +la petite somme de 10 # d'or la quelle me vient encore pour le fieux de la +Copieture de poste de lettre etc. comme j'avois l'honneur de vous +expliquier dans une note detaillé sur ses objectes. Je vous invite donc +Monsieur de bien vouloir me remettre ces petits objects, pour me mettre +dans l'état de pouvoir vous envoyer le Document susdit. Agrées Monsieur +l'assurance de l'estime la plus parfait avec la quelle j'ai l'honneur de me +dire + +LOUIS VAN BEETHOVEN. + +Copying . . . . 1. 10. 0. +Postage to Amsterdam 1. 0. 0. + ---- Trio . . . 2. 10. -- + ----------- + £5. 0. 0. + + +183. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +July 28, 1816. + +MY GOOD FRIEND,-- + +Various circumstances compel me to take charge of Carl myself; with this +view permit me to enclose you the amount due at the approaching quarter, at +the expiry of which Carl is to leave you. Do not, I beg, ascribe this to +anything derogatory either to yourself or to your respected institution, +but to other pressing motives connected with Carl's welfare. It is only an +experiment, and when it is actually carried out I shall beg you to fortify +me by your advice, and also to permit Carl sometimes to visit your +institution. I shall always feel the most sincere gratitude to you, and +never can forget your solicitude, and the kind care of your excellent wife, +which has fully equalled that of the best of mothers. I would send you at +least four times the sum I now do, if my position admitted of it; but at +all events I shall avail myself at a future and, I hope, a brighter day, of +every opportunity to acknowledge and to do justice to the foundation _you_ +have laid for the moral and physical good of my Carl. With regard to the +"Queen of the Night," our system must continue the same; and as Carl is +about to undergo an operation in your house which will cause him to feel +indisposed, and consequently make him irritable and susceptible, you must +be more careful than ever to prevent her having access to him; otherwise +she might easily contrive to revive all those impressions in his mind which +we are so anxious to avoid. What confidence can be placed in any promise to +reform on her part, the impertinent scrawl I enclose will best prove [in +reference, no doubt, to an enclosed note]. I send it merely to show you how +fully I am justified in the precautions I have already adopted with regard +to her. On this occasion, however, I did not answer like a Sarastro, but +like a Sultan. I would gladly spare you the anxiety of the operation on +Carl, but as it must take place in your house, I beg you will inform me of +the outlay caused by the affair, and the expenses consequent on it, which I +will thankfully repay. Now farewell! Say all that is kind from me to your +dear children and your excellent wife, to whose continued care I commend my +Carl. I leave Vienna to-morrow at five o'clock A.M., but shall frequently +come in from Baden. + +Ever, with sincere esteem, your + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +184. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +Mdme. A.G. is requested to order several pairs of good linen drawers for +Carl. I intrust Carl to her kindness, and entirely rely on her motherly +care. + + +185. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Baden, September 5, 1816. + +DEAR Z.,-- + +I don't know whether you received a note that I recently left on the +threshold of your door, for the time was too short to enable me to see you. +I must therefore repeat my request about another servant, as the conduct of +my present one is such that I cannot possibly keep him.[1] He was engaged +on the 25th of April, so on the 25th of September he will have been five +months with me, and he received 50 florins on account. The money for his +boots will be reckoned from the third month (in my service), and from that +time at the rate of 40 florins per annum; his livery also from the third +month. From the very first I resolved not to keep him, but delayed +discharging him, as I wished to get back the value of my florins. In the +mean time if I can procure another, I will let this one leave my service on +the 15th of the month, and also give him 20 florins for boot money, and 5 +florins a month for livery (both reckoned from the third month), making +altogether 35 florins. I ought therefore still to receive 15 florins, but +these I am willing to give up; in this way I shall at all events receive +some equivalent for my 50 florins. If you can find a suitable person, I +will give him 2 florins a day while I am in Baden, and if he knows how to +cook he can use my firewood in the kitchen. (I have a kitchen, though I do +not cook in it.) If not, I will add a few kreutzers to his wages. As soon +as I am settled in Vienna, he shall have 40 florins a month, and board and +livery as usual, reckoned from the third month in my service, like other +servants. It would be a good thing if he understood a little tailoring. So +now you have my proposals, and I beg for an answer by the 10th of this +month at the latest, that I may discharge my present servant on the 2d, +with the usual fortnight's warning; otherwise I shall be obliged to keep +him for another month, and every moment I wish to get rid of him. As for +the new one, you know pretty well what I require,--_good, steady conduct_, +a _good character_, and _not to be of a bloodthirsty nature_, that I may +feel my life to be safe, as, for the sake of various scamps in this world, +I should like to live a little longer. By the 10th, therefore, I shall +expect to hear from you on this affair. If you don't run restive, I will +soon send you my treatise on the four violoncello strings, very profoundly +handled; the first chapter devoted exclusively to entrails in general, the +second to catgut in particular. I need scarcely give you any further +warnings, as you seem to be quite on your guard against wounds inflicted +before certain fortresses. The most _profound peace_ everywhere prevails!!! +Farewell, my good _Zmeskällchen_! I am, as ever, _un povero musico_ and +your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +N.B. I shall probably only require my new servant for some months, as, for +the sake of my Carl, I must shortly engage a housekeeper. + +[Footnote 1: During a quarrel, the servant scratched Beethoven's face.] + + +186. + +TO HERR KAUKA. + +Baden, Sept. 6, 1816. + +MY WORTHY K.,-- + +I send you herewith the receipt, according to your request, and beg that +you will kindly arrange that I should have the money by the 1st October, +and without any deduction, which has hitherto been the case; I also +particularly beg _you will not assign the money to Baron P._ (I will tell +you why when we meet; for the present let this remain between ourselves.) +Send it either direct to myself, or, if it must come through another +person, do not let it be Baron P. It would be best for the future, as the +house-rent is paid here for the great house belonging to Kinsky, that my +money should be paid at the same time. This is only my own idea. The Terzet +you heard of will soon be engraved, which is infinitely preferable to all +written music; you shall therefore receive an engraved copy, and likewise +some more of my unruly offspring. In the mean time I beg that you will see +only what is truly good in them, and look with an indulgent eye on the +human frailties of these poor innocents. Besides, I am full of cares, being +in reality father to my late brother's child; indeed I might have ushered +into the world a second part of the "Flauto Magico," having also been +brought into contact with a "Queen of the Night." I embrace you from my +heart, and hope soon in so far to succeed that you may owe some thanks to +my Muse. My dear, worthy Kauka, I ever am your truly attached friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +187. + +QUERY? + +What would be the result were I to leave this, and indeed the kingdom of +Austria altogether? Would the life-certificate, if signed by the +authorities of a non-Austrian place, still be valid? + +_A tergo._ + +I beg you will let me know the postage all my letters have cost you. + + +188. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +Sunday, September 22, 1816. + +Certain things can never be fully expressed. Of this nature are my +feelings, and especially my gratitude, on hearing the details of the +operation on Carl from you. You will excuse my attempting even remotely to +shape these into words. I feel certain, however, that you will not decline +the tribute I gladly pay you; but I say no more. You can easily imagine my +anxiety to hear how my dear son is going on; do not omit to give me your +exact address, that I may write to you direct. After you left this I wrote +to Bernhard [Bernard], to make inquiries at your house, but have not yet +got an answer; so possibly you may have thought me a kind of half-reckless +barbarian, as no doubt Herr B. has neglected to call on you, as well as to +write to me. I can have no uneasiness about Carl when your admirable wife +is with him: that is quite out of the question. You can well understand how +much it grieves me not to be able to take part in the sufferings of my +Carl, and that I at least wish to hear frequently of his progress. As I +have renounced such an unfeeling, unsympathizing friend as Herr B. +[Bernard], I must have recourse to your friendship and complaisance on this +point also, and shall hope soon to receive a few lines from you. I beg to +send my best regards and a thousand thanks to your admirable wife. + +In haste, your + +BEETHOVEN. + +I wish you to express to Smetana [the surgeon] my esteem and high +consideration. + + +189. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +If you do not object, I beg you will allow Carl to come to me with the +bearer of this. I forgot, in my haste, to say that all the love and +goodness which Mdme. A.G. [Giannatasio] showed my Carl during his illness +are inscribed in the list of my obligations, and I hope one day to show +that they are ever present in my mind. Perhaps I may see you to-day with +Carl. + +In haste, your sincere friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +190. + +TO WEGELER. + +I take the opportunity through J. Simrock to remind you of myself. I hope +you received the engraving of me [by Letronne], and likewise the Bohemian +glass. When I next make a pilgrimage through Bohemia you shall have +something more of the same kind. Farewell! You are a husband and a father; +so am I, but without a wife. My love to your dear ones--to _our_ dear ones. + +Your friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +191. + +WRITTEN IN ENGLISH TO MR. BIRCHALL, MUSIC SELLER, LONDON. + +Vienna, 1. Oct. 1816. + +MY DEAR SIR,-- + +I have duly received the £5 and thought previously you would non increase +the number of Englishmen neglecting their word and honor, as I had the +misfortune of meeting with two of this sort. In replic to the other topics +of your favor, I have no objection to write variations according to your +plan, and I hope you will not find £30 too much, the Accompaniment will be +a Flute or Violin or a Violoncello; you'll either decide it when you send +me the approbation of the price, or you'll leave it to me. I expect to +receive the songs or poetry--the sooner the better, and you'll favor me +also with the probable number of Works of Variations you are inclined to +receive of me. The Sonata in G with the accompan't of a Violin to his +Imperial Highnesse Archduke Rodolph of Austria--it is Op'a 96. The Trio in +Bb is dedicated to the same and is Op. 97. The Piano arrangement of the +Symphony in A is dedicated to the Empress of the Russians--meaning the Wife +of the Emp'r Alexander--Op. 98. + +Concerning the expences of copying and packing it is not possible to fix +him before hand, they are at any rate not considerable, and you'll please +to consider that you have to deal with a man of honor, who will not charge +one 6p. more than he is charged for himself. Messrs. Fries & Co. will +account with Messrs. Coutts & Co.--The postage may be lessened as I have +been told. I offer you of my Works the following new ones. A Grand Sonata +for the Pianoforte alone £40. A Trio for the Piano with accomp't of Violin +and Violoncello for £50. It is possible that somebody will offer you other +works of mine to purchase, for ex. the score of the Grand Symphony in +A.--With regard to the arrangement of this Symphony for the Piano I beg you +not to forget that you are not to publish it until I have appointed the day +of its publication here in Vienna. This cannot be otherwise without making +myself guilty of a dishonorable act--but the Sonata with the Violin and the +Trio in B fl. may be published without any delay. + +With all the _new works_, which you will have of me or which I offer you, +it rests with you to name the day of their publication at your own choice: +I entreat you to honor me as soon as possible with an answer having many +ordres for compositions and that you may not be delayed. My address or +direction is + +Monsieur Louis van Beethoven + +No. 1055 & 1056 Sailerstette 3d. Stock. Vienna. + +You may send your letter, if you please, direct to your most humble servant + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +192. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Oct. 24, 1816. + +WELL BORN, AND YET EVIL BORN! (AS WE ALL ARE!) + +We are in Baden to-day, and intend to bring the celebrated naturalist +Ribini a collection of dead leaves. To-morrow we purpose paying you not +only a _visit_ but a _visitation_. + +Your devoted + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +193. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +November, 1816.[1] + +I have been again much worse, so that I can only venture to go out a little +in the daytime; I am, however, getting better, and hope now to have the +honor of waiting on Y.R.H. three times a week. Meanwhile, I have many and +great cares in these terrible times (which surpass anything we have ever +experienced), and which are further augmented by having become the father +since last November of a poor orphan. All this tends to retard my entire +restoration to health. I wish Y.R.H. all imaginable good and happiness, and +beg you will graciously receive and not misinterpret + +Your, &c., &c. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: A year after Carl von Beethoven's death (Nov. 15, 1815).] + + +194. + +TO FREIHERR VON SCHWEIGER. + +BEST! + +MOST AMIABLE! + +FIRST AND FOREMOST TURNER MEISTER OF EUROPE! + +The bearer of this is a poor devil! (like many another!!!) You could assist +him by asking your gracious master whether he is disposed to purchase one +of his small but neat pianos. I also beg you will recommend him to any of +the Chamberlains or Adjutants of the Archduke Carl, to see whether it is +possible that H.R.H. would buy one of these instruments for his Duchess. We +therefore request an introduction from the illustrious _Turner Meister_ for +this poor devil[1] to the Chamberlains and Adjutants of the household. + +Likewise + +1 + +poor devil, + +[K.] L. V. BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: A name cannot now be found for the "poor devil."] + + +195. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +Nov. 16, 1816. + +MY DEAR FRIEND,-- + +My household seems about to make shipwreck, or something very like it. You +know that I was duped into taking this house on false pretexts; besides, my +health does not seem likely to improve in a hurry. To engage a tutor under +such circumstances, whose character and whose very exterior even are +unknown to me, and thus to intrust my Carl's education to hap-hazard, is +quite out of the question, no matter how great the sacrifices which I shall +be again called on to make. I beg you, therefore, to keep Carl for the +ensuing quarter, commencing on the 9th. I will in so far comply with your +proposal as to the cultivation of the science of music, that Carl may come +to me two or three times a week, leaving you at six o'clock in the evening +and staying with me till the following morning, when he can return to you +by eight o'clock. It would be too fatiguing for Carl to come every day, and +indeed too great an effort and tie for me likewise, as the lessons must be +given at the same fixed hour. + +During this quarter we can discuss more minutely the most suitable plan for +Carl, taking into consideration both his interests and my own. I must, +alas! mention my own also in these times, which are daily getting worse. If +your garden residence had agreed with my health, everything might have been +easily adjusted. With regard to my debt to you for the present quarter, I +beg you will be so obliging as to call on me, that I may discharge it; the +bearer of this has the good fortune to be endowed by Providence with a vast +amount of stupidity, which I by no means grudge him the benefit of, +provided others do not suffer by it. As to the remaining expenses incurred +for Carl, either during his illness or connected with it, I must, for a few +days only, request your indulgence, having great calls on me at present +from all quarters. I wish also to know what fee I ought to give Smetana for +the successful operation he performed; were I rich, or not in the same sad +position in which all are who have linked their fate to this country +(always excepting _Austrian usurers_), I would make no inquiries on the +subject; and I only wish you to give me a rough estimate of the proper fee. +Farewell! I cordially embrace you, and shall always look on you as a friend +of mine and of Carl's. + +I am, with esteem, your + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +196. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +Though I would gladly spare you all needless disagreeable trouble, I +cannot, unluckily, do so on this occasion. Yesterday, in searching for some +papers, I found this pile, which has been sent to me respecting Carl. I do +not quite understand them, and you would oblige me much by employing some +one to make out a regular statement of all your outlay for Carl, so that I +may send for it to-morrow. I hope you did not misunderstand me when I +yesterday alluded to _magnanimity_, which certainly was not meant for you, +but solely for the "Queen of the Night," who is never weary of hoisting the +sails of her vindictiveness against me; so on this account I require +vouchers, more for the satisfaction of others than for her sake (as I never +will submit to render her any account of my actions). No stamp is required, +and the sum alone for each quarter need be specified, for I believe most of +the accounts are forthcoming; so all you have to do is to append them to +your _prospectus_ [the conclusion illegible]. + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +197. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +Nov. 14, 1816. + +MY GOOD FRIEND,-- + +I beg you will allow Carl to come to me to-morrow, as it is the anniversary +of his father's death [Nov. 15th], and we wish to visit his grave together. +I shall probably come to fetch him between twelve and one o'clock. I wish +to know the effect of my treatment of Carl, after your recent complaints. +In the mean time, it touched me exceedingly to find him so susceptible as +to his honor. Before we left your house I gave him some hints on his want +of industry, and while walking together in a graver mood than usual, he +pressed my hand vehemently, but met with no response from me. At dinner he +scarcely eat anything, and said that he felt very melancholy, the cause of +which I could not extract from him. At last, in the course of our walk, he +owned that _he was vexed because he had not been so industrious as usual_. +I said what I ought on the subject, but in a kinder manner than before. +This, however, proves a certain delicacy of feeling, and such _traits_ lead +me to augur all that is good. If I cannot come to you to-morrow, I hope you +will let me know by a few lines the result of my conference with Carl. + +I once more beg you to let me have the account due for the last quarter. I +thought that you had misunderstood my letter, or even worse than that. I +warmly commend my poor orphan to your good heart, and, with kind regards to +all, I remain + +Your friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +198. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +MY GOOD FRIEND,-- + +Pray forgive me for having allowed the enclosed sum to be ready for you +during the last twelve days or more, and not having sent it. I have been +very much occupied, and am only beginning to recover, though indeed the +word _recovery_ has not yet been pronounced. + +In haste, with much esteem, ever yours, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +199. + +TO HERR TSCHISCHKA. + +SIR,-- + +It is certainly of some moment to me _not to appear in a false light_, +which must account for the accompanying statement being so prolix. As to +the future system of education, I can at all events congratulate myself on +having done all that I could possibly effect at present _for the best_, and +trust _that the future may be in accordance with it_. But if the welfare of +my nephew demands a _change_, I shall be the first not only to propose such +a step, but _to carry it out_. I am no self-interested guardian, but I wish +to establish a new monument to my name through my nephew. I _have no need +of my nephew_, but he has need of me. Idle talk and calumnies are beneath +the dignity of a man with proper self-respect, and what can be said when +these extend even to the subject of linen!!! This might cause me great +annoyance, _but a just man ought to be able to bear injustice_ without in +the _most remote degree_ deviating from the path of _right_. In this +conviction I will stand fast, and nothing shall make me flinch. To deprive +me of my nephew would indeed entail a heavy responsibility. As a matter of +_policy_ as well as of morality, such a step would be productive of evil +results to my nephew. _I urgently recommend his interests to you._ As for +me, _my actions_ for _his_ benefit (not for my _own_) must speak for me. + +I remain, with esteem, + +Your obedient + +BEETHOVEN. + +Being very busy, and rather indisposed, I must claim your indulgence for +the writing of the memorial. + + +200. + +WRITTEN IN ENGLISH TO MR. BIRCHALL,--LONDON. + +Vienna 14. December 1816--1055 Sailerstette. + +DEAR SIR,-- + +I give you my word of honor that I have signed and delivered the receipt to +the home Fries and Co. some day last August, who as they say have +transmitted it to Messrs. Coutts and Co. where you'll have the goodness to +apply. Some error might have taken place that instead of Messrs. C. sending +it to you they have been directed to keep it till fetched. Excuse this +irregularity, but it is not my fault, nor had I ever the idea of +withholding it from the circumstance of the £5 not being included. Should +the receipt not come forth as Messrs. C., I am ready to sign any other, and +you shall have it directly with return of post. + +If you find Variations--in my style--too dear at £30, I will abate for the +sake of your friendship one third--and you have the offer of such +Variations as fixed in our former lettres for £20 each Air. + +Please to publish the Symphony in A immediately--as well as the Sonata--and +the Trio--they being ready here. The Grand Opera Fidelio is my work. The +arrangement for the Pianoforte has been published here under my care, but +the score of the Opera itself is not yet published. I have given a copy of +the score to Mr. Neate under the seal of friendship and whom I shall direct +to treat for my account in case an offer should present. + +I anxiously hope your health is improving, give me leave to subscrive +myself + +Dear Sir + +Your very obedient Serv. + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +201. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Dec. 16, 1816. + +With this, dear Zmeskall, you will receive my friendly dedication [a +stringed quartet, Op. 95], which may, I hope, serve as a pleasant memorial +of our long-enduring friendship here; pray accept it as a proof of my +esteem, and not merely as the extreme end of a thread long since spun out +(for you are one of my earliest friends in Vienna). + +Farewell! Beware of mouldering fortresses! for an attack on them will be +more trying than on those in a better state of preservation! As ever, + +Your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +N.B. When you have a moment's leisure, let me know the probable cost of a +livery, without linen, but including hat and boots. Strange changes have +come to pass in my house. The man is off to the devil, I am thankful to +say, whereas his wife seems the more resolved to take root here. + + +202. + +TO FRAU VON STREICHER--NÉE STEIN. + +Dec. 28, 1816. + +N---- ought to have given you the New Year's tickets yesterday, but it +seems she did not do so. The day before I was occupied with Maelzel, whose +business was pressing, as he leaves this so soon; otherwise you may be sure +that I would have hurried up again to see you. Your dear kind daughter was +with me yesterday, but I scarcely ever remember being so ill; my _precious +servants_ were occupied from seven o'clock till ten at night in trying to +heat the stove. The bitter cold, particularly in my room, caused me a +chill, and the whole of yesterday I could scarcely move a limb. All day I +was coughing, and had the most severe headache I ever had in my life; so by +six o'clock in the evening I was obliged to go to bed, where I still am, +though feeling somewhat better. Your brother dined with me yesterday, and +has shown me great kindness. You are aware that on the same day, the 27th +of December, I discharged B. [Baberl]. I cannot endure either of these vile +creatures; I wonder if Nany will behave rather better from the departure of +her colleague? I doubt it--but in that case I shall send her _packing_ +without any ceremony. She is too uneducated for a housekeeper, indeed quite +a _beast_; but the other, in spite of her pretty face, is even _lower than +the beasts_. As the New Year draws near, I think five florins will be +enough for Nany; I have not paid her the charge for _making her spencer_, +on account of her _bad behavior to you_. The other certainly _deserves no +New Year's gift_; besides, she has nine florins of mine on hand, and when +she leaves I don't expect to receive more than four or five florins of that +sum. I wish to have _your opinion about all this_. Pray accept my best +wishes for your welfare, which are offered in all sincerity. I am your +debtor in so many ways, that I really often feel quite ashamed. Farewell; I +trust I may always retain your friendship. + +Now, as ever, your friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + + +203. + +TO FRAU VON STREICHER. + +I thank you for the interest you take in me. I am rather better, though +to-day again I have been obliged to endure a great deal from Nany; but I +shied half a dozen books at her head by way of a New Year's gift. We have +stripped off the leaves (by sending off Baberl) and lopped off the +branches, but we must extirpate the _roots_, till nothing is left but the +actual soil. + + +204. + +TO FRAU VON STREICHER. + +Nany is not strictly _honest_, and an odiously stupid _animal_ into the +bargain. Such people must be managed not by _love_ but by _fear_. I now see +this clearly. Her account-book alone cannot show you everything clearly; +you must often drop in unexpectedly at dinner-time, like an avenging angel, +to see with your own eyes _what_ we actually have. I never dine at home +now, _unless_ I have some friend as my guest, for I have no wish to pay as +much for one person as would serve for four. I shall _now soon_ have my +dear son Carl with me, so economy is more necessary than ever. I cannot +prevail on myself to go to you; I know you will forgive this. I am very +sensitive, and not used to such things, so the less ought I to expose +myself to them. In addition to twelve kreutzers for bread, Nany has a roll +of white bread every morning. Is this usual?--and it is the same with the +cook. A daily roll for breakfast comes to eighteen florins a year. +_Farewell_, and _work well_ for me. Mdlle. Nany is wonderfully changed for +the better since I sent the half-dozen books at her head. Probably they +chanced to come in collision with her _dull brain_ or her _bad heart_; at +all events, she now plays the part of a penitent swindler!!! + +In haste, yours, + +BEETHOVEN. + + +205. + +TO FRAU VON STREICHER. + +Nany yesterday took me to task in the vulgar manner usual with people of +her _low class_, about my complaining to you; so she evidently knew that I +had written to you on the subject. All the devilry began again yesterday +morning, but I made short work of it by throwing the heavy arm-chair beside +my bed at B.'s head, which procured me peace for the rest of the day. They +always take their revenge on me when I write to you, or when they discover +any communication between us. + +I do thank Heaven that I everywhere find men who interest themselves in me; +one of the _most distinguished Professors_ in this University has in the +kindest manner undertaken _all that concerns Carl's education_. If you +happen to meet any of the Giannatasios at Czerny's, you had better _know +nothing of what is going on about Carl_, and say that it is _contrary_ to +my _usual habit to disclose my plans, as when a project is told to others +it is no longer exclusively your own_. They would like to interfere in the +matter, and I do not choose that these _commonplace people should do so, +both for_ my _own sake and Carl's_. Over their portico is inscribed, in +golden letters, "Educational Institution," whereas "_Non_-Educational +Institution" would be more appropriate. + +As for the servants, there is only _one voice_ about their immorality, to +which _all_ the other annoyances here may be ascribed. + +Pray receive my benediction in place of that of the Klosterneuburgers.[1] + +In haste, your friend, + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Frau von Streicher was at that time in Klosterneuburg.] + + +206. + +TO FRAU VON STREICHER. + +Judgment was executed to-day on the notorious criminal! She bore it nearly +in the same spirit as Caesar did Brutus's dagger, except that in the former +case truth formed the basis, while in hers only wicked malice. The +kitchen-maid seems more handy than the former _ill-conducted beauty_; she +no longer shows herself,--a sign that she does not expect a _good +character_ from me, though I really had some thoughts of giving her one. +The kitchen-maid at first made rather a wry face about carrying wood, &c. + + +207. + +TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH. + +Last day of December, 1816. + +I have been again obliged to keep my room ever since the Burgher +concert,[1] and some time must no doubt elapse before I shall be able to +dismiss all precautions as to my health. The year is about to close; and +with this new year my warmest wishes are renewed for the welfare of Y.R.H.; +but indeed these have neither beginning nor end with me, for every day I +cherish the same aspirations for Y.R.H. If I may venture to add a wish for +myself to the foregoing, it is, that I may daily thrive and prosper more in +Y.R.H.'s good graces. The master will always strive not to be unworthy of +the favor of his illustrious master and pupil. + +[K.] + +[Footnote 1: Beethoven directed his A major Symphony in the Burgher concert +in the Royal Redoutensaal on the 25th December, 1816.] + + +208. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +... As to his mother, she urgently requested to see Carl in my house. You +have sometimes seen me tempted to place more confidence in her, and my +feelings would lead me to guard against harshness towards her, especially +as it is not in her power to injure Carl. But you may well imagine that to +one usually so independent of others, the annoyances to which I am exposed +through Carl are often utterly insupportable, and above all with regard to +his mother; I am only too glad to hear nothing of her, which is the cause +of my avoiding her name. With respect to Carl, I beg you will enforce the +strictest discipline on him, and if he refuses to obey your orders or to do +his duty, I trust you will at once _punish_ him. Treat him as if he were +your own child rather than a _mere pupil_, for I already told you that +during his father's lifetime he only submitted to the discipline of blows, +which was a bad system; still, such was the fact, and we must not forget +it. + +If you do not see much of me, pray ascribe it solely to the little +inclination I have for society, which is sometimes more developed and +sometimes less; and this you might attribute to a change in my feelings, +but it is not so. What is good alone lives in my memory, and not what is +painful. Pray impute therefore solely to these hard times my not more +practically showing my gratitude to you on account of Carl. God, however, +directs all things; so my position may undergo a favorable change, when I +shall hasten to show you how truly I am, with sincere esteem, your grateful +friend, + +L. V. BEETHOVEN. + +I beg you will read this letter to Carl. + + +209. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +Carl must be at H.B.'s to-day before four o'clock; I must request you +therefore to ask his professor to dismiss him at half-past three o'clock; +if this cannot be managed he must not go into school at all. In the latter +case, I will come myself and fetch him; in the former, I will meet him in +the passage of the University. To avoid all confusion, I beg for an +explicit answer as to what you settle. As you have been loudly accused of +showing great party feeling, I will take Carl myself. If you do not see me, +attribute it to my distress of mind, for I am now only beginning to feel +the full force of this terrible incident.[1] + +In haste, your + +BEETHOVEN. + +[Footnote 1: Probably the reversal of the first decree in the lawsuit with +Carl's mother, who in order to procure a verdict more favorable to her +claims, pointed out to the Austrian "Landrecht," where the lawsuit had been +hitherto carried on, an error in their proceedings, the "Van," prefixed to +Beethoven's name, having been considered by them a sign of nobility. +Beethoven was cited to appear, and on the appointed day, pointing to his +head and his heart, he said, "My nobility is here, and here." The +proceedings were then transferred to the "magistrate," who was in universal +bad odor from his mode of conducting his business.] + + +210. + +TO G. DEL RIO. + +The assertions of this wicked woman have made such a painful impression on +me, that I cannot possibly answer every point to-day; to-morrow you shall +have a detailed account of it all; but on no pretext whatever allow her to +have access to Carl, and adhere to your rule that she is only to see him +once a month. As she has been once this month already, she cannot come +again till the next. + +In haste, your + +BEETHOVEN. + + +211. + +TO HOFRATH VON MOSEL. + +1817. + +SIR,-- + +I sincerely rejoice that we take the same view as to the terms in use to +denote the proper time in music which have descended to us from barbarous +times. For example, what can be more irrational than the general term +_allegro_, which only means _lively_; and how far we often are from +comprehending the real time, so that the piece itself _contradicts the +designation_. As for the four chief movements,--which are, indeed, far from +possessing the truth or accuracy of the four cardinal points,--we readily +agree _to dispense with them_, but it is quite another matter as to the +words that indicate the character of the music; these we cannot consent to +do away with, for while the time is, as it were, part and parcel of the +piece, the _words denote the spirit in which it is conceived_. + +So far as I am myself concerned, I have long purposed giving up those +inconsistent terms _allegro_, _andante_, _adagio_, and _presto_; and +Maelzel's metronome furnishes us with the best opportunity of doing so. I +here _pledge_ myself _no longer_ to make use of them in any of my new +compositions. It is another question whether we can by this means attain +the necessary universal use of the metronome. I scarcely think we shall! I +make no doubt that we shall be loudly proclaimed as _despots_; but if the +cause itself were to derive benefit from this, it would at least be better +than to incur the reproach of Feudalism! In our country, where music has +become a national requirement, and where the use of the metronome must be +enjoined on every village schoolmaster, the best plan would be for Maelzel +to endeavor to sell a certain number of metronomes by subscription, at the +present higher prices, and as soon as the number covers his expenses, he +can sell the metronomes demanded by the national requirements at so cheap a +rate, that we may certainly anticipate their _universal use_ and +_circulation_. Of course some persons must take the lead in giving an +impetus to the undertaking. You may safely rely on my doing what is in my +power, and I shall be glad to hear what post you mean to assign to me in +the affair. + +I am, sir, with esteem, your obedient + +LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN. + + +212. + +TO S.A. STEINER, MUSIC PUBLISHER,--VIENNA. + +HIGHEST BORN! MOST ADMIRABLE! AND MARVELLOUS LIEUTENANT-GENERAL![1] + +We beg you to give us bank-notes for twenty-four gold ducats at yesterday's +rate of exchange, and to send them to us this evening or to-morrow, in +order that we may forthwith _remit_ and _transmit_ them. I should be glad +and happy if your trustworthy Adjutant were to bring me these, as I have +something particular to say to him. He must forget all his resentment, like +a good Christian; we acknowledge his merits and do not contest his +demerits. In short, and once for all, we wish to see him. This evening +would suit us best. + +We have the honor to remain, most astounding Lieutenant-General! your +devoted + +GENERALISSIMUS. + +[Footnote 1: Beethoven styled himself "Generalissimus," Herr A. Steiner +"Lieutenant-General," and his partner, Tobias Haslinger, "Adjutant" and +"Adjutant-General."] + + +213. + +TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL VON STEINER.--PRIVATE. + +PUBLICANDUM,-- + +After due consideration, and by the advice of our Council, we have +determined and decreed that henceforth on all our works published with +German titles, the word _Pianoforte_ is to be replaced by that of _Hammer +Clavier_, and our worthy Lieutenant-General, his Adjutant, and all whom it +may concern, are charged with the execution of this order. + +Instead of Pianoforte--_Hammer Clavier_. + +Such is our will and pleasure. + +Given on the 23d of January, 1817, by the _Generalissimus_. + +_Manu propria._ + + +214. + +TO STEINER. + +The following dedication occurred to me of my new Sonata:-- + + "Sonata for the Pianoforte, + or + _Hammer Clavier_. +Composed and dedicated to Frau Baronin Dorothea + Ertmann--née Graumann, + by + Ludwig van Beethoven." + +If the title is already engraved, I have the two following proposals to +make; viz., that I pay for one title--I mean that it should be at my +expense, or reserved for another new sonata of mine, for which purpose the +mines of the Lieutenant-General (or _pleno titulo_, Lieutenant-General and +First Councillor of State) must be opened to usher it into the light of +day; the title to be previously shown to a good linguist. _Hammer Clavier_ +is certainly German, and so is the device. Honor to whom honor is due! How +is it, then, that I have as yet received no reports of the carrying out of +my orders, which, however, have no doubt been attended to? + +Ever and always your attached + +_Amicus +ad Amicum +de Amico._ + +[Music: Treble clef. +O Ad-ju-tant!] + +N.B. I beg you will observe the most profound silence about the dedication, +as I wish it to be a surprise! + + +215. + +TO ZMESKALL. + +Jan. 30, 1817. + +DEAR Z.,-- + +You seem to place me on a level with Schuppanzigh, &c., and have distorted +the plain and simple meaning of my words. You are not my debtor, but I am +yours, and now you make me so more than ever. I cannot express to you the +pain your gift has caused me, and I must candidly say that I cannot give +you one friendly glance _in return_. Although you confine yourself to the +practice of music, still you have often recourse to the power of +imagination, and it seems to me that this not unfrequently leads to +uncalled-for caprice on your part; at least, so it appeared to me from your +letter after my dedication. Loving as my sentiments are towards you, and +much as I prize all your goodness, still I feel provoked!--much +provoked!--terribly provoked! + +Your debtor afresh, + +Who will, however, contrive to have his revenge, + +L. VAN BEETHOVEN. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826, Vol. 1 of 2 +by Lady Wallace + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13065 *** |