BEETHOVEN'S LETTERS.
(1790-1826.)
FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR. LUDWIG NOHL.
ALSO HIS
LETTERS TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH, CARDINAL-ARCHBISHOP
OF OLMÜTZ, K.W., FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR.
LUDWIG RITTER VON KÖCHEL.
TRANSLATED BY
LADY WALLACE.
_WITH A PORTRAIT AND FAC-SIMILE._
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
BOSTON:
OLIVER DITSON & CO., 277 WASHINGTON STREET.
NEW YORK: C.H. DITSON & CO.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME II.
SECOND PART.
LIFE'S MISSION.
1815-1822.
(_Continued._)
216. To Steiner & Co.
217. To the Same
218. To Tobias Haslinger
219. To the Same
220. To Baroness Dorothea von Ertmann
221. To Zmeskall
222. To Steiner & Co.
223. To G. del Rio
224. To the Same
225. To the Same
226. To the Same
227. To the Same
228. To Czerny
229. To the Same
230. To the Same
231. To Zmeskall
232. To G. del Rio
233. To Frau von Streicher
234. To the Same
235. To the Same
236. To F. Ries, London
237. To Zmeskall
238. To the Same
239. To Frau von Streicher
240. To G. del. Rio
241. To Zmeskall
242. To the Same
243. To the Same
244. To the Same
245. To Frau von Streicher
246. To the Same
247. To the Same
248. To the Same
249. To the Archduke Rudolph
250. To G. del Rio
251. To the Same
252. To the Archduke Rudolph
253. To G. del Rio
254. To the Same
255. To Czerny
256. To F. Ries, London
257. To the Rechnungsrath Vincenz Hauschka
258. To the Archduke Rudolph
259. To the Same
260. To Ferdinand Ries
261. To the Same
262. To the Same
263. To the Philharmonic Society in Laibach
264. To Ferdinand Ries, London
265. To the Archduke Rudolph
266. To the Same
267. To the Same
268. To the Same
269. To the Same
270. To the Same
271. To the Same
272. To the Same
273. To the Same
274. To the Same
275. To the Same
276. To Herr Blöchlinger
277. Canon on Herr Schlesinger
278. To Artaria, Vienna
279. A Sketch by Beethoven
280. To Artaria
281. Petition to the Magistracy
282. To F. Ries, London
283. To the Archduke Rudolph
284. Memorandum
285. To the Archduke Rudolph
286. To the Same
287. To the Royal and Imperial High Court of Appeal
288. To the Archduke Rudolph
289. Testimonial in favor of Herr von Kandeler
290. To Theodore Amadeus Hoffmann
291. To Haslinger
292. To the Same
293. To the Archduke Rudolph
294. To the Same
295. To Artaria & Co.
296. To Bolderini
297. To the Archduke Rudolph
298. To Artaria & Co.
299. To Haslinger
300. To the Archduke Rudolph
301. To the Same
302. To Steiner & Co.
303. To a Friend
304. To the Archduke Rudolph
305. To F. Ries, London
306. To Herren Peters & Co., Leipzig
307. To the Same
308. To the Same
309. To Artaria
310. To Herr Peters, Leipzig
311. To the Archduke Rudolph
312. To Herr Peters, Leipzig
313. To F. Ries, London
314. To Ignaz Ritter von Seyfried
THIRD PART.
LIFE'S TROUBLES AND CLOSE
1823-1827.
315. To Zelter
316. To F. Ries, London
317. To Schindler
318. To the Same
319. To Herr Kind
320. To Cherubini
321. To Schindler
322. To Herr Peters, Leipzig
323. To Zelter
324. To the Archduke Rudolph
325. To Schindler
326. To F. Ries, London
327. To Herr Lissner, Petersburg
328. To Schindler
329. To the Same
330. To the Same
331. To the Same
332. To the Same
333. To the Same
334. To the Same
335. To the Same
336. To the Archduke Rudolph
337. To Schindler
338. To Pilat, editor of the "Austrian Observer"
339. To Schindler
340. To the Same
341. To the Same
342. To the Same
343. To the Same
344. To the Same
345. To the Archduke Rudolph
346. To F. Ries
347. To Herr von Könneritz
348. To Herr von Könneritz
349. To Schindler
350. To his Nephew
351. To the Archduke Rudolph
352. To the Same
353. To the Same
354. To F. Ries, London
355. To the Same
356. To the Archduke Rudolph
357. To the Same
358. To Schindler
359. To the Same
360. To the Same
361. To Herr Grillparzer
362. To Herr Probst, Leipzig
363. To Schindler
364. To Herr von Rzehatschek
365. To Prince Trautmannsdorf
366. To Count Moritz Lichnowsky
367. To Herr Schuppanzigh
368. To Schindler
369. To Herr von Sartorius
370. To Schindler
371. To the Same
372. To the Same
373. To the Same
374. To the Same
375. To Steiner & Co
376. To Haslinger
377. To Steiner & Co
378. To Haslinger
379. To the Same
380. To the Same
381. To M. Diabelli
382. To Herr Probst, Leipzig
383. To Haslinger
384. To Herr Schott, Mayence
385. To the Archduke Rudolph
386. To his Nephew
387. To Herr Peters
388. To Hans Georg Nägeli, Zurich
389. To his Nephew
390. To Herr Nägeli
391. To Herr Schott, Mayence
392. To Hauschka
393. To Herr Nägeli, Zurich
394. To the Archduke Rudolph
395. To Herr Schott, Mayence
396. To Carl Holz
397. To the Same
398. To Herr Schott, Mayence
399. To Friends
400. To Schindler
401. To Linke
402. To * * *
403. To F. Ries
404. To Herr Jenger, Vienna
405. To Schott
406. To Ludwig Rellstab
407. To * * *
408. To his brother Johann
409. To Herr von Schlemmer
410. To his Nephew
411. To the Same
412. To Dr. Braunhofer
413. To his Nephew
414. To the Same
415. To the Same
416. To the Same
417. To his Nephew
418. To the Same
419. To the Same
420. To the Same
421. To the Same
422. To the Same
423. To the Same
424. To the Same
425. To the Same
426. To the Same
427. To the Same
428. To the Same
429. To the Same
430. To the Same
431. To the Same
432. To the Same
433. To the Same
434. To his brother Johann, Gneixendorf
435. To his Nephew
436. To the Same
437. To the Same
438. To his Copyist
439. To his Nephew
440. To the Same
441. To Zmeskall
442. To Herr Friedrich Kuhlau
443. To his Nephew
444. To the Same
445. To Herr von Schlesinger
446. To his Nephew
447. To the Same
448. To the Same
449. To the Same
450. To the Abbé Maximilian Stadler
451. To Gottfried Weber
452. To Herr Probst, Leipzig
453. To Stephan von Breuning
454. To the Same
455. To the Same
456. Testimonial for C. Holz
457. To C. Holz
458. To the King of Prussia
459. To Wegeler
460. To Tobias Haslinger
461. To the Same
462. To Carl Holz
463. To Dr. Bach
464. To Wegeler
465. To Sir George Smart, London
466. To Herr Moscheles
467. To Schindler
468. To Baron von Pasqualati
469. To the Same
470. To Sir George Smart, London
471. To Baron von Pasqualati
472. To the Same
473. To Herr Moscheles
474. To Schindler
475. To Herr Moscheles
476. Codicil
BEETHOVEN'S LETTERS.
216.
TO STEINER & CO.
The Adjutant's innocence is admitted, and there is an end of it!
We beg you to be so good as to send us two copies in score of the Symphony
in A. We likewise wish to know when we may expect a copy of the Sonata for
Baroness von Ertmann, as she leaves this, most probably, the day after
to-morrow.
No. 3--I mean the enclosed note--is from a musical friend in Silesia, not a
rich man, for whom I have frequently had my scores written out. He wishes
to have these works of Mozart in his library; as my servant, however, has
the good fortune, by the grace of God, to be one of the greatest blockheads
in the world (which is saying a good deal), I cannot make use of him for
this purpose. Be so kind therefore as to send to Herr ---- (for the
_Generalissimus_ can have no dealings with a petty tradesman), and desire
him to _write down the price of each work_ and send it to me with my two
scores in A, and also an answer to my injunction about Ertmann, as early
to-day as you can (_presto, prestissimo_!)--_nota bene_, the _finale_ to be
_a march in double-quick time_. I recommend the best execution of these
orders, so that no further obstacle may intervene to my recovery.
L. VAN BEETHOVEN,
The best _generalissimus_ for the good,
But the devil himself for the bad!
217.
TO STEINER.
The Lieutenant-General is requested to send his _Diabolum_, that I may tell
him myself my opinion of the "Battle," which is _printed in the vilest
manner_. There is much to be altered.
THE G----S.
218.
TO TOBIAS HASLINGER.
MY GOOD ADJUTANT,--
Best of all little fellows! Do see again about that house, and get it for
me. I am very anxious also to procure _the treatise on education_. It is of
some importance to me to be able to compare my own opinions on this subject
with those of others, and thus still further improve them. As for our
juvenile Adjutant, I think I shall soon have hit on the right system for
his education. Your
CONTRA FA,
_Manu propria._
219.
TO THE HIGH-BORN HERR HASLINGER, HONORARY MEMBER OF THE HÖFEN GRABENS AND
PATER NOSTER GÄSSCHEN.
BEST OF ALL PRINTERS AND ENGRAVERS,--
Be kinder than kind, and throw off a hundred impressions of the
accompanying small plate.[1] I will repay you threefold and fourfold.
Farewell!
Your
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: This is possibly the humorous visiting-card that Beethoven
sometimes sent to his friends, with the inscription _Wir bleiben die Alten_
("We are the same as ever"), and on reversing the card, a couple of asses
stared them in the face! Frau Eyloff told me of a similar card that her
brother Schindler once got from Beethoven on a New Year's day.]
220.
TO BARONESS DOROTHEA VON ERTMANN.[1]
Feb. 23, 1817.
MY DEAR AND VALUED DOROTHEA CECILIA,--
You have no doubt often misjudged me, from my apparently forbidding manner;
much of this arose from circumstances, especially in earlier days, when my
nature was less understood than at present. You know the manifestations of
those self-elected apostles who promote their interests by means very
different from those of the true Gospel. I did not wish to be included in
that number. Receive now what has been long intended for you,[2] and may it
serve as a proof of my admiration of your artistic talent, and likewise of
yourself! My not having heard you recently at Cz---- [Czerny's] was owing
to indisposition, which at last appears to be giving way to returning
health.
I hope soon to hear how you get on at St. Polten [where her husband's
regiment was at that time quartered], and whether you still think of your
admirer and friend,
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.
My kindest regards to your excellent husband.
[Footnote 1: It was admitted that she played Beethoven's compositions with
the most admirable taste and feeling. Mendelssohn thought so in 1830 at
Milan, and mentions it in his _Letters from Italy and Switzerland_.]
[Footnote 2: Undoubtedly the Sonata dedicated to her, Op. 101.]
221.
TO ZMESKALL.
DEAR Z.,--
I introduce to your notice the bearer of this, young Bocklet, who is a very
clever violin-player. If you can be of any service to him through your
acquaintances, do your best for him, especially as he is warmly recommended
to me from Prague.[1]
As ever, your true friend,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Carl Maria Bocklet, a well-known and distinguished pianist in
Vienna. He told me himself that he came for the first time to Vienna in
1817, where he stayed six weeks. On April 8th he gave a violin concert in
the _Kleine Redoutensaale_. He brought a letter of introduction to
Beethoven, from his friend Dr. Berger in Prague.]
222.
TO STEINER & CO.
The Lieutenant-General is desired to afford all aid and help to the young
artist Bocklet from Prague. He is the bearer of this note, and a virtuoso
on the violin. We hope that our command will be obeyed, especially as we
subscribe ourselves, with the most vehement regard, your
GENERALISSIMUS.
223.
TO G. DEL RIO.
I only yesterday read your letter attentively at home. I am prepared to
give up Carl to you at any moment, although I think it best not to do so
till after the examination on Monday; but I will send him sooner if you
wish it. At all events it would be advisable afterwards to remove him from
here, and to send him to Mölk, or some place where he will neither see nor
hear anything more of his abominable mother. When he is in the midst of
strangers, he will meet with less support, and find that he can only gain
the love and esteem of others by his own merits.
In haste, your
BEETHOVEN.
224.
TO G. DEL RIO.
I request you, my dear friend, to inquire whether in any of the houses in
your vicinity there are lodgings to be had at Michaelmas, consisting of a
few rooms. You must not fail to do this for me to-day or to-morrow.
Your friend,
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.
P.S.--N.B. Though I would gladly profit by your kind offer of living in
your garden-house, various circumstances render this impossible. My kind
regards to all your family.
225.
TO G. DEL RIO.
HOUSE OF GIANNATASIO!--
The treatise on the piano is a general one,--that is, it is a kind of
compendium. Besides, I am pleased with the Swiss [probably Weber, a young
musician who had been recommended to him], but the "Guaden" is no longer
the fashion.
In haste, the devoted servant and friend of the Giannatasio family,
BEETHOVEN.
226.
TO G. DEL RIO.
You herewith receive through Carl, my dear friend, the ensuing quarter due
to you. I beg you will attend more to the cultivation of his feelings and
kindness of heart, as the latter in particular is the lever of all that is
good; and no matter how a man's kindly feeling may be ridiculed or
depreciated, still our greatest authors, such as Goethe and others,
consider it an admirable quality; indeed, many maintain that without it no
man can ever be very distinguished, nor can any depth of character exist.
My time is too limited to say more, but we can discuss verbally how in my
opinion Carl ought to be treated on this point.
Your friend and servant,
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.
Alser Vorstadt--Beim Apfel, 2ter Étage,
No. 12, Leiberz, Dressmaker.
227.
TO G. DEL RIO.
This is at any rate the first time that it has been necessary to remind me
of an agreeable duty; very pressing business connected with my art, as well
as other causes, made me totally forget the account, but this shall not
occur again. As for my servant bringing home Carl in the evening, the
arrangement is already made. In the mean time I thank you for having been
so obliging as to send your servant for him yesterday, as I knew nothing
about it, so that Carl probably must otherwise have remained at Czerny's.
Carl's boots are too small, and he has repeatedly complained of this;
indeed, they are so bad that he can scarcely walk, and it will take some
time before they can be altered to fit him. This kind of thing ruins the
feet, so I beg you will not allow him to wear them again till they are made
larger.
With regard to his pianoforte studies, I beg you will keep him strictly to
them; otherwise his music-master would be of no use. Yesterday Carl could
not play the whole day, I have repeatedly wished to hear him play over his
lessons, but have been obliged to come away without doing so.
"_La musica merita d'esser studiata._"
Besides, the couple of hours now appointed for his music lessons are quite
insufficient. I must therefore the more earnestly urge on you their being
strictly adhered to. It is by no means unusual that this point should be
attended to in an institute; an intimate friend of mine has also a boy at
school, who is to become a professor of music, where every facility for
study is afforded him; indeed, I was rather struck by finding the boy quite
alone in a distant room practising, neither disturbing others, nor being
himself disturbed.
I beg you will allow me to send for Carl to-morrow about half-past ten
o'clock, as I wish to see what progress he has made, and to take him with
me to some musicians.
I am, with all possible esteem, your friend,
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.
228.
TO CZERNY.
DEAR CZERNY,--
I beg you will treat Carl with as much patience as possible; for though he
does not as yet get on quite as you and I could wish, still I fear he will
soon do even less, because (though I do not want him to know it) he is
over-fatigued by the injudicious distribution of his lesson hours.
Unluckily it is not easy to alter this; so pray, however strict you may be,
show him every indulgence, which will, I am sure, have also a better effect
on Carl under such unfavorable circumstances.
With respect to his playing with you, when he has finally acquired the
proper mode of fingering, and plays in right time, and gives the notes with
tolerable correctness, you must only then first direct his attention to the
mode of execution; and when he is sufficiently advanced, do not stop his
playing on account of little mistakes, but only point them out at the end
of the piece. Although I have myself given very little instruction, I have
always followed this system, which quickly forms a _musician_; and this is,
after all, one of the first objects of art, and less fatiguing both to
master and scholar. In certain passages, like the following,--
[Music: Treble clef, sixteenth notes.]
I wish all the fingers to be used; and also in similar ones, such as
these,--
[Music: Treble clef, sixteenth notes.] &c.
[Music: Treble clef, sixteenth notes.] &c.
so that they may go very smoothly; such passages can indeed be made to
sound very _perlés_, or like a pearl, played by fewer fingers, but
sometimes we wish for a different kind of jewel.[1] More as to this some
other time. I hope that you will receive these suggestions in the same
kindly spirit in which they are offered and intended. In any event I am,
and ever must remain, your debtor. May my candor serve as a pledge of my
wish to discharge this debt at some future day!
Your true friend,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Carl Czerny relates in the Vienna _A.M. Zeitung_ of 1845, No.
113, as follows:--"Beethoven came to me usually every day himself with the
boy, and used to say to me, 'You must not think that you please me by
making Carl play my works; I am not so childish as to wish anything of the
kind. Give him whatever you think best.' I named Clementi. 'Yes, yes,' said
he, 'Clementi is very good indeed;' and, added he, laughing, 'Give Carl
occasionally what is _according to rule_, that he may hereafter come to
what is _contrary to rule_.' After a hit of this sort, which he introduced
into almost every speech, he used to burst into a loud peal of laughter.
Having in the earlier part of his career been often reproached by the
critics with his _irregularities_, he was in the habit of alluding to this
with gay humor."]
229.
TO CZERNY.
DEAR CZERNY,--
I beg you will say nothing _on that particular subject_ at Giannatasio's,
who dined with us on the day you were so good as to call on me; he
requested this himself. I _will tell you the reason_ when we meet. I hope
to be able to prove my gratitude for your patience with my nephew, that I
may not always remain your debtor. In haste,
Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.
230.
TO CZERNY.
DEAR CZERNY,--
Can you in any way assist the man I now send to you (a pianoforte maker and
tuner from Baden) in selling his instruments? Though small in size, their
manufacture is solid. In haste,
Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.
231.
TO ZMESKALL.
Wednesday, July 3, 1817.
DEAR ZMESKALL,--
I have changed my mind. It might hurt the feelings of Carl's mother to see
her child in the house of a stranger, which would be more harsh than I
like; so I shall allow her to come to my house to-morrow; a certain tutor
at Puthon, of the name of Bihler, will also be present. I should be
_extremely_ glad if you could be with me about six o'clock, but not later.
Indeed, I earnestly beg you to come, as I am desirous to show the Court
that you are present, for there is no doubt that a _Court Secretary_ will
be held in higher estimation by them than a man _without an official
character, whatever his moral character may be!_
Now, jesting apart, independent of my real affection for you, your coming
will be of great service to me. I shall therefore expect you without fail.
I beg you will not take my _badinage_ amiss. I am, with sincere esteem,
Your friend,
BEETHOVEN
232.
TO G. DEL RIO.
Your friend has no doubt told you of my intention to send for Carl early
to-morrow. I wish to place his mother in a more creditable position with
the neighborhood; so I have agreed to pay her the compliment of taking her
son to see her in the company of a third person. This is to be done once a
month.
As to all that is past, I beg you will never allude to it again, either in
speaking or writing, but forget it all--as I do.
233.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.
I have been occupied in arranging my papers; an immense amount of patience
is required for such an affair as putting them in order, but having once
summoned it to our aid we must persevere, or the matter would never be
completed. My papers, both musical and unmusical, are nearly arranged at
last; it was like one of the seven labors of Hercules![1]
[Footnote 1: Ries (in Wegeler's _Notizen_) relates: "Beethoven placed very
little value on the MSS. of his pieces written out by himself; when once
engraved they were usually scattered about the anteroom, or on the floor in
the middle of his apartment, together with other music. I often arranged
his music for him, but the moment Beethoven began to search for any piece,
it was all strewed about again."]
234.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.
You see what servants are! [He had gone out and taken the key with him.]
Such is housekeeping! So long as I am ill, I would fain be on a different
footing with those around me; for dearly as I usually love solitude, it is
painful to me now, finding it scarcely possible, while taking baths and
medicine, to employ myself as usual,--to which is added the grievous
prospect that I may perhaps never get better. I place no confidence in my
present physician, who at length pronounces my malady to be _disease of the
lungs_. I will consider about engaging a housekeeper. If I could only have
the faintest hope, in this corrupt Austrian State, of finding an honest
person, the arrangement would be easily made; but--but!! [He wishes to hire
a piano and pay for it in advance; the tone to be as loud as possible, to
suit his defective hearing.]
Perhaps you do not know, though I have not always had one of your pianos,
that since 1809 I have invariably preferred yours.
It is peculiarly hard on me to be a burden on any one, being accustomed
rather to serve others than to be served by them.
235.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.
I can only say that I am better; I thought much of death during the past
night, but such thoughts are familiar to me by day also.
236.
TO F. RIES,--LONDON.
Vienna, July 9, 1817.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--
The proposals in your esteemed letter of the 9th of June are very
flattering, and my reply will show you how much I value them. Were it not
for my unhappy infirmities, which entail both attendance and expense,
particularly on a journey to a foreign country, I would _unconditionally_
accept the offer of the Philharmonic Society. But place yourself in my
position, and consider how many more obstacles I have to contend with than
any other artist, and then judge whether my demands (which I now annex) are
unreasonable. I beg you will convey my conditions to the Directors of the
above Society, namely:--
1. I shall be in London early in January.
2. The two grand new symphonies shall be ready by that time; to become the
exclusive property of the Society.
3. The Society to give me in return 300 guineas, and 100 for my travelling
expenses, which will, however, amount to much more, as I am obliged to
bring a companion.
4. As I am now beginning to work at these grand symphonies for the Society,
I shall expect that (on receiving my consent) they will remit me here the
sum of 150 guineas, so that I may provide a carriage, and make my other
preparations at once for the journey.
5. The conditions as to my non-appearance in any other public orchestra, my
not directing, and the preference always to be given to the Society on the
offer of equal terms by them, are accepted by me; indeed, they would at all
events have been dictated by my own sense of honor.
6. I shall expect the aid of the Society in arranging one, or more, benefit
concerts in my behalf, as the case may be. The very friendly feeling of
some of the Directors in your valuable body, and the kind reception of my
works by all the artists, is a sufficient guaranty on this point, and will
be a still further inducement to me to endeavor not to disappoint their
expectations.
7. I request that I may receive the assent to and confirmation of these
terms, signed by three Directors in the name of the Society. You may easily
imagine how much I rejoice at the thoughts of becoming acquainted with the
worthy Sir George Smart [Music Director], and seeing you and Mr. Neate
again; would that I could fly to you myself instead of this letter!
Your sincere well wisher and friend,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[P.S. ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER.]
DEAR RIES,--
I cordially embrace you! I have purposely employed another hand in my
answer to the Society, that you might read it more easily, and present it
to them. I place the most implicit reliance on your kindly feelings toward
me. I hope that the Philharmonic Society may accept my proposals, and they
may rest assured that I shall employ all my energies to fulfil in the most
satisfactory manner the flattering commission of so eminent a society of
artists. What is the strength of your orchestra? How many violins, &c.?
Have you _one or two sets of wind instruments_? Is the concert room large
and sonorous?
237.
TO ZMESKALL.
NUSSDORF, July 23, 1817.
MY DEAR GOOD ZMESKALL,--
I shall soon see you again in town. What is the proper price for fronting a
pair of boots? I have to pay my servant for this, who is always running
about.
I am really in despair at being condemned by my defective hearing to pass
the greater part of my life with this most odious class of people, and to
be in some degree dependent on them. To-morrow, early, my servant will call
on you, and bring me back a _sealed answer_.
238.
TO ZMESKALL.
August 12, 1817.
MY DEAR GOOD Z.,--
I heard of your indisposition with great regret. As for myself, I am often
in despair, and almost tempted to put an end to my life, for all these
remedies seem to have no end. May God have compassion on me, for I look
upon myself to be as good as lost! I have a great deal to say to you. That
this servant is a _thief_, I cannot doubt--he must be sent away; my health
requires living _at home_ and greater comfort. I shall be glad to have your
opinion on this point. If my condition is not altered, instead of being in
London I shall probably be in my grave. I thank God that the thread of my
life will soon be spun out.
In haste, your
BEETHOVEN.
N.B. I wish you to buy me a quarter of a yard of green wax-cloth, green on
both sides. It seems incredible that I have not been able to get anything
of the kind from these _green_ people here. It is far.... [illegible].
[X. brought the Trio in C minor (Op. 1, No. 3) to show to Beethoven, having
arranged it as a quintet for stringed instruments (published by Artaria as
Op. 104). Beethoven evidently discovered a good many faults in the work;
still, the undertaking had sufficient attractions to induce him to correct
it himself, and to make many changes in it. A very different score was thus
of course produced from that of X., on the cover of whose work the genial
master, in a fit of good humor, inscribed with his own hand the following
title:--
A Terzet arranged as a Quintet,
by _Mr. Well-meaning_,
translated from the semblance into the reality of five parts, and exalted
from the depths of wretchedness to a certain degree of excellence,
by _Mr. Goodwill_.
Vienna, Aug. 14, 1817.
N.B. The original three-part score of the Quintet has been sacrificed as a
solemn burnt-offering to the subterranean gods.][1]
[Footnote 1: This Quintet appeared as Op. 104 at Artaria's in Vienna.]
239.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.
When we next meet, you will be surprised to hear what I have in the mean
time learned. My poor Carl was only misled for the moment; but there are
men who are brutes, and of this number is the priest here, who deserves to
be well cudgelled.
240.
TO G. DEL RIO.
August 19, 1817.
I unluckily received your letter yesterday too late, for she had already
been here; otherwise I would have shown her to the door, as she richly
deserved. I sincerely thank Fraulein N. for the trouble she took in writing
down the gossip of this woman. Though an enemy to all tattling and gossip,
still this is of importance to us; so I shall write to her, and also give
her letter to me to Herr A.S. [Advocate Schönauer?] I may possibly have let
fall some words in her presence in reference to the recent occurrence, and
the irregularity on your part, but I cannot in the slightest degree recall
ever having written to her about you.
It was only an attempt on her side to exasperate you against me; and thus
to influence you and obtain more from you, in the same way that she
formerly reported to me all sorts of things that you had said about me; but
I took no heed of her talk. On this recent occasion I wished to try whether
she might not be improved by a more patient and conciliatory mode of
conduct: I imparted my intention to Herr A.S., but it has utterly failed;
and on Sunday I made up my mind to adhere to the former necessary severity,
as even during the glimpse she had of Carl, she contrived to inoculate him
with some of her venom. In short, we must be guided by the zodiac, and only
allow her to see Carl twelve times a year, and then barricade her so
effectually that she cannot smuggle in even a pin, whether he is with you
or me, or with a third person. I really thought that by entirely complying
with her wishes, it might have been an incitement to her to improve, and to
acknowledge my complete unselfishness.
Perhaps I may see you to-morrow. Frau S. can order the shoes and stockings
and all that Carl requires, and I will remit her the money at once. I beg
that you will always order and buy anything Carl ought to have, without any
reference to me, merely informing me of the amount, which I will forthwith
discharge, without waiting for the end of the quarter. I will take care
that Carl has a new coat for the next examination.
One thing more. The mother affects to receive her information from a person
in your house. If you cannot arrange with Czerny to bring Carl home, he
must not go at all; "_trau, schau, wem!_" [trust not till you try.] The
only impression that his mother ought to make on Carl is what I have
already told him,--namely, to respect her as _his mother_, but _not to
follow her example in any respect_; he must be strongly warned against
this.
Yours truly,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.
241.
TO ZMESKALL.
Sept. 11, 1817.
DEAR Z.,--
The answer from London arrived yesterday [see No. 236], but in English. Do
you know any one who could translate it verbally for us? In haste,
Your
BEETHOVEN.
242.
TO ZMESKALL.
Oct. 20, 1817.
DEAR Z.,--
The devil himself cannot persuade your _Famulus_ to take away the wine.
Pray forgive my behavior yesterday; I intended to have asked your pardon
this very afternoon. _In my present condition_ I require _indulgence_ from
every one, for I am a poor unfortunate creature!
In haste, as ever, yours.
243.
TO ZMESKALL.
DEAR Z.,--
I give up the journey; at least I will not pledge myself on this point. The
matter must be more maturely considered. In the mean time the work is
already sent off to the Prince Regent. _If they want me they can have me_,
and I am still at _liberty_ to say _yes_! or _no_! Liberty!!!! what more
can any one desire!!!
244.
TO ZMESKALL.
DEAR Z.,--
Don't be angry about my note. Are you not aware of my present condition,
which is like that of Hercules with Queen Omphale??? I asked you to buy me
a looking-glass like yours, which I now return, but if you do not require
it, I wish you would send yours back to me to-day, for mine is broken.
Farewell, and do not write in such high-flown terms about me, for never
have I felt so strongly as now the strength and the weakness of human
nature.
Continue your regard for me.
245.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.
The Autumn of 1817.
I have had an interview with your husband, whose sympathy did me both good
and harm, for Streicher almost upset my resignation. God alone knows the
result! but as I have always assisted my fellow-men when I had the power to
do so, I also rely on his mercy to me.
Educate your daughter carefully, that she may make a good wife.
To-day happens to be Sunday; so I will quote you something out of the
Bible,--"Love one another." I conclude with best regards to your best of
daughters, and with the wish that all your wounds may be healed.
When you visit the ancient ruins [Frau Streicher was in Baden], do not
forget that Beethoven has often lingered there; when you stray through the
silent pine forests, do not forget that Beethoven often wrote poetry there,
or, as it is termed, _composed_.
246.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.
How deeply am I indebted to you, my excellent friend, and I have become
such a poor creature that I have no means of repaying you. I am very
grateful to Streicher for all the trouble he has taken on my behalf [about
a house in the Gärtner Strasse], and beg he will continue his inquiries.
God will, I hope, one day enable me to return benefit for benefit, but this
being at present impossible, grieves me most of all....
Now Heaven be praised! [he thus winds up a long letter about a bad
servant,] I have contrived to collect all these particulars for you with no
little toil and trouble, and God grant that I may never, never more be
obliged to speak, or write, or think again on such a subject, for mud and
mire are not more pernicious to artistic soil, than such devilry to any
man!!!
247.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.
As to Frau von Stein [stone], I beg she will not allow Herr von Steiner to
turn into stone, that he may still be of service to me; nor must Frau von
Stein become too stony towards Herr von Steiner, &c.
My good Frau von Streicher, do not play any trick [Streiche] to your worthy
little husband, but rather be to all others Frau von Stein [stone]!!!!
Where are the coverlets for the beds?
[Music: Treble clef.
Where? where?]
248.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.
... It is now very evident from all this that if _you_ do not kindly
superintend things for me, I, with my _infirmities_, must meet with the
_same fate_ as usual at the hands of these people. Their _ingratitude_
towards you is what chiefly degrades both of them in my eyes. But I don't
understand your allusion about gossip? on one occasion alone can I remember
having forgotten myself for the moment, but _with very different people_.
This is all I can say on the subject. For my part I neither encourage nor
listen to the gossip of the lower orders. I have often given you hints on
the subject, without telling you a word of what I had heard. Away! away!
away! with such things!
249.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Nussdorf, Sept. 1, 1817.
I hope to be able to join you in Baden; but my invalid condition still
continues, and though in some respects improved, my malady is far from
being entirely cured. I have had, and still have, recourse to remedies of
every kind and shape; I must now give up the long-cherished hope of ever
being wholly restored. I hear that Y.R.H. looks wonderfully well, and
though many false inferences may be drawn from this as to good health,
still every one tells me that Y.R.H. is much better, and in this I feel
sincerely interested. I also trust that when Y.R.H. again comes to town, I
may assist you in those works dedicated to the Muses. My confidence is
placed on Providence, who will vouchsafe to hear my prayer, and one day set
me free from all my troubles, for I have served Him faithfully from my
childhood, and done good whenever it has been in my power; so my trust is
in Him alone, and I feel that the Almighty will not allow me to be utterly
crushed by all my manifold trials. I wish Y.R.H. all possible good and
prosperity, and shall wait on you the moment you return to town.
[K.]
250.
TO G. DEL RIO
Vienna, Nov. 12, 1817.
My altered circumstances render it possible that I may not be able to leave
Carl under your care beyond the end of this quarter; so, as in duty bound,
I give you this _warning_ a quarter in advance. Though it is painful to
admit it, my straitened circumstances leave me no choice in the matter; had
it been otherwise, how gladly would I have presented you with an additional
quarter's payment when I removed Carl, as a slight tribute of my gratitude.
I do hope you will believe that such are my _genuine and sincere_ wishes on
the subject. If on the other hand I leave Carl with you for the ensuing
quarter, commencing in February, I will apprise you of it early in January,
1818. I trust you will grant me this _favor_, and that I shall not solicit
it in vain. If I ever enjoy better health, so that I can _earn more money_,
I shall not fail to evince my gratitude, knowing well how much more you
have done for Carl than I had any right to expect; and I can with truth say
that to be obliged to confess my inability to requite your services at this
moment, distresses me much.
I am, with sincere esteem, your friend,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.
251.
TO G. DEL RIO.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--
I have been hitherto unable to answer your friendly letter, having been
much occupied and still far from well.
As to your proposal, it merits both gratitude and consideration. I must say
that the same idea formerly occurred to me about Carl; at this moment,
however, I am in the most unsettled state. This was why I made the
stipulation to which I begged you to agree, namely, to let you know in the
last month of the present quarter whether Carl was to continue with you. In
this way our plans would neither be hurried nor demolished. I am, besides,
well aware that it can be no advantage to you to have Carl either on his
present terms, or according to your last proposal, and on that very account
I wished to point out to you in my letter how gladly, besides the usual
remuneration, I would have testified my gratitude in some additional
manner.
When I spoke of my _inability_, I knew that his education would cost me
even more elsewhere than with you; but what I intended to convey was that
every father has a particular object in the education of his child, and it
is thus with me and Carl. No doubt we shall soon discover what is best for
him; whether to have a tutor here, or to go on as formerly. I do not wish
to tie myself down for the moment, but to remain free to act as his
interests may dictate.
Carl daily costs me great sacrifices, but I only allude to them on his own
account. I know too well the influence his mother contrives to acquire over
him, for she seems resolved to show herself well worthy of the name of
"Queen of the Night." Besides, she everywhere spreads a report that I do
nothing whatever for Carl, whereas she pays everything!! As we have touched
on this point, I must thank you for your most considerate letter, which in
any event will be of great use to me. Pray ask Herr L.S. to be so kind as
to make my excuses to his brother for not having yet called on him. Partly
owing to business and also to indisposition, it has been nearly impossible
for me to do so. When I think of this oft-discussed affair, I should prefer
going to see him on any other subject. She has not applied to me; so it is
not my business to promote a meeting between her and her son.
With regard to the other matter, I am told that in _this_ case we must have
recourse to compulsion, which will cost me more money, for which I have
chiefly to thank Herr Adlersburg [his advocate]. As Carl's education,
however, must be carried on so far as possible independent of his mother,
for the future as well as the present we must act as I have arranged.
I am, with esteem, your attached friend,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.
252.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Last day of December, 1817.
The old year has nearly passed away, and a new one draws near. May it bring
Y.R.H. no sorrow, but rather may it bestow on you every imaginable
felicity! These are my wishes, all concentrated in the one I have just
expressed. If it be allowable to speak of myself, I may say that my health
is very variable and uncertain. I am unhappily obliged to live at a great
distance from Y.R.H., which shall not, however, prevent my having the
extreme gratification of waiting on you at the first opportunity. I commend
myself to your gracious consideration, though I may not appear to deserve
it. May Heaven, for the benefit of so many whom you befriend, enrich each
day of your life with an especial blessing! I am always, &c., &c.
[K.]
253.
TO G. DEL RIO.
Jan. 6, 1818.
To prevent any mistake I take the liberty to inform you that it is finally
settled my nephew Carl should leave your excellent institution the end of
this month. My hands are also tied with regard to your other proposal, as
if I accepted it, my further projects for Carl's benefit would be entirely
frustrated; but I sincerely thank you for your kind intentions.
Circumstances may cause me to remove Carl even before the end of the month,
and as I may not be here myself, I will appoint some one to fetch him. I
mention this to you now, that it may not appear strange when the time
comes; and let me add, that my nephew and I shall feel grateful to you
through life. I observe that Carl already feels thus, which is to me a
proof that although thoughtless, his disposition is not evil; far less has
he a bad heart. I am the more disposed to augur well of him from his having
been for two years under your admirable guidance.
I am, with esteem, your friend,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.
254.
TO G. DEL RIO.
Vienna, Jan. 24, 1818.
I do not come to you myself, as it would be a kind of leave-taking, and
this I have all my life avoided. Pray accept my heartfelt thanks for the
zeal, rectitude, and integrity with which you have conducted the education
of my nephew. As soon as I am at all settled, we mean to pay you a visit;
but on account of the mother, I am anxious that the fact of my nephew being
with me should not be too much known.
I send you my very best wishes, and I beg especially to thank Frau A.Z. for
her truly maternal care of Carl.
I am, with sincere esteem, yours,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.
255.
TO CZERNY.
MY DEAR GOOD KIND CZERNY,--[1]
I have this moment heard that you are in a position I really never
suspected; you might certainly place confidence in me, and point out how
matters could be made better for you (without any pretensions to patronage
on my part). As soon as I have a moment to myself, I must speak to you.
Rest assured that I highly value you, and am prepared to prove this at any
moment by deeds.
Yours, with sincere esteem,
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Zellner, in his _Blätter für Musik_, relates what follows on
Czerny's own authority:--In 1818 Czerny was requested by Beethoven in a
letter (which he presented some years ago to Cocks, the London music
publisher) to play at one of his last concerts in the large _Redoutensaal_,
his E flat major Concerto, Op. 73. Czerny answered, in accordance with the
truth, that having gained his livelihood entirely for many years past by
giving lessons on the piano, for more than twelve hours daily, he had so
completely laid aside his pianoforte playing, that he could not venture to
attempt playing the concerto properly within the course of a few days
(which Beethoven desired). On which he received, in the above letter, a
touching proof of Beethoven's sympathy. He also learned subsequently that
Beethoven had exerted himself to procure him a permanent situation.]
256.
TO F. RIES,--LONDON.
Vienna, March 5, 1818.
MY DEAR RIES,--
In spite of my wishes it was impossible for me to go to London this year
[see No. 236]. I beg you will apprise the Philharmonic Society that my
feeble health prevented my coming; I trust, however, I shall be entirely
restored this spring, so that in the autumn I may avail myself of their
offers and fulfil all their conditions.
Pray request Neate, in my name, to make no public use of the various works
of mine that he has in his hands, at least not until I come. Whatever he
may have to say for himself, I have cause to complain of him.
Potter[1] called on me several times; he seems to be a worthy man, and to
have a talent for composition. My wish and hope for you is that your
circumstances may daily improve. I cannot, alas! say that such is the case
with my own.... I cannot bear to see others want, I must give; you may
therefore believe what a loser I am by this affair. I do beg that you will
write to me soon. If possible I shall try to get away from this earlier, in
the hope of escaping utter ruin, in which case I shall arrive in London by
the winter at latest. I know that you will assist an unfortunate friend. If
it had only been in my power, and had I not been chained to this place, as
I always have been, by circumstances, I certainly would have done far more
for you.
Farewell; remember me to Neate, Smart, and Cramer. Although I hear that the
latter is a _counter subject_ both to you and to myself, still I rather
understand how to manage people of that kind; so notwithstanding all this
we shall yet succeed in producing an agreeable harmony in London. I embrace
you from my heart. Your friend,
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.
Many handsome compliments to your charming, (and as I hear) handsome wife.
[Footnote 1: Schindler, in his _Biography_ (Vol. II. 254), states that
Cipriani Potter came to Vienna in 1817.]
257.
TO THE RECHNUNGSRATH, VINCENZ HAUSCHKA.[1]
1818.
First and foremost member of our society, and grand cross of the
violon--cello! You wish for an _heroic_ subject, whereas I have none but a
_spiritual_ one! I am contented; still, I think an infusion of the
spiritual would be quite appropriate in such a mass. I have no objections
to H. v. Bernard, but you must pay him; I do not speak of myself. As you
call yourselves "Friends of Music," it is only natural that you should
expect a great deal to be done on the score of friendship.
Now farewell, my good Hauschka! As for myself, I wander about here with
music paper, among the hills and dales and valleys, and scribble a great
deal to get my daily bread; for I have brought things to such a pass in
this mighty and ignominious _land of the Goths and Vandals_, that in order
to gain time for a great composition, I must always previously _scrawl
away_ a good deal for the sake of money, to enable me to complete an
important work.
However, my health is much improved, and if the matter is urgent, I can do
as you wish now.
In haste, your friend,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Hauschka was at that time on the committee, and agent for the
"Friends to Music" who commissioned Beethoven to write an Oratorio in 1815.
Schindler is of opinion that the repeated performance of the Abbé Stadler's
heroic Oratorio, _Die Befreiung von Jerusalem_, was the cause of the
Society in 1818 bespeaking, through Hauschka, "An oratorio of the heroic
order."]
258.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1819.
I have the honor to send the masterly variations[1] of Y.R.H. by the
copyist Schlemmer, and to-morrow I shall come in person to wait upon
Y.R.H., and much rejoice at being able to serve as a companion to my
illustrious pupil on the path of fame.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: The letters 258 and 259, allude to the pianoforte variations
composed by the Archduke Rudolph and dedicated to his instructor.]
259.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Jan. 1, 1819.
All that can be comprehended in one wish, or individually named,--health,
happiness, and prosperity,--all are included in the prayer I offer up for
Y.R.H. on this day. May the wish that I also form for myself be graciously
accepted by Y.R.H., namely, that I may continue to enjoy the favor of
Y.R.H. A dreadful occurrence[1] has lately taken place in my family, which
for a long time stunned my senses, and to this must be ascribed my not
having waited on Y.R.H., nor taken any notice of the masterly variations of
my much-honored and illustrious pupil, and favorite of the Muses. The
gratitude I feel for the surprise and the honor you have done me, I dare
not venture to express either verbally or in writing, for I am _too far
beneath you_, even if I _could_ or wished ever so ardently _to return like
for like_. May Heaven accept and listen with peculiar favor to my prayers
for Y.R.H.'s health. In the course of a few days I trust I shall myself
hear the masterpiece Y.R.H. has sent to me, and nothing will rejoice me
more than to assist Y.R.H. as early as possible, in taking the place
already prepared for you on Parnassus.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: The "dreadful occurrence" which took place in the end of 1818
in Beethoven's family cannot be discovered.]
260.
TO RIES.
Vienna, April [March?] 30, 1819.
DEAR RIES,--
I am only now able to answer your letter of December 18th. Your sympathy
does me good. It is impossible for me to go to London at present, being
involved here in various ways; but God will, I trust, aid me, and enable me
to visit London next winter, when I shall bring the new symphonies with me.
I every day expect the text for a new _oratorio_, which I am to write for
our Musical Society here, and no doubt it will be of use to us in London
also. Do what you can on my behalf, for I greatly need it. I should have
been glad to receive any commission from the Philharmonic, but Neate's
report of the all but failure of the three overtures vexed me much. Each in
its own style not only pleased here, but those in E flat major and C major
made a profound impression, so that the fate of those works at the
Philharmonic is quite incomprehensible to me.