Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826, Volume 1
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[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 KapellmeisterIt 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 annumBeethoven'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 promiseI 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: 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,
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 rightEre 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 EinlösungsscheinLobkowitz, 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 poorI 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 BadenersPray 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 ScheinHerr 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 ScheinSuch 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-dressedI 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 satisfactoryBut 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!
(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 propertyEven 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 youI 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--
Silentium!!!
Farewell, my esteemed friend; pray continue to esteem me worthy of your friendship.Yours,
BEETHOVEN.
A thousand compliments to the illustrious Princess.