238] and the Sonata [Op. 106]. See that both, especially the Quintet, be
engraved without loss of time. There is no such hurry about the Sonata,
though I should like it to appear within two or three months. Never having
received the previous letter to which you allude, I had no scruple in
disposing of both works here; but for Germany only. It will be at any rate
three months before the Sonata appears here, but you must make haste with
the Quintet. As soon as you forward me a check for the money, I will send
an authority to the publisher, securing him the exclusive right to these
works for England, Scotland, Ireland, France, &c., &c.
You shall receive by the next post the _Tempi_ of the Sonata marked in
accordance with Maelzel's metronome. Prince Paul Esterhazy's courier, De
Smidt, took the Quintet and the Sonata with him. You shall also have my
portrait by the next opportunity, as I understand that you really wish for
it.
Farewell! Continue your regard for me,
Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.
All sorts of pretty compliments to your pretty wife!!! From me!!!!
261.
TO RIES.
Vienna, April 16, 1819.
DEAR RIES,--
Here are the _Tempi_ of the Sonata.
1st Allegro, Allegro (alone), erase the _assai_. Maelzel's metronome
[half-note] = 138.
2d movement, Scherzoso. Maelzel's metronome [half-note] = 80.
3d movement, Maelzel's metronome [eighth-note] = 92.
Observe that a previous bar is to be inserted here, namely:--
[Music: New bar. Piano Staves (treble & bass), D major, 6/8 time.]
4th movement, Introduzione--largo. Maelzel's metronome [sixteenth-note] =
76.
5th and last movement, 3/4 time. Maelzel's metronome [half-note] = 144.
[Music: Treble clef, B-flat major.]
Pray forgive the confused way in which this is written. It would not
surprise you if you knew my situation; you would rather marvel that I
accomplish so much in spite of it. The Quintet can no longer be delayed,
and must shortly appear; but not the Sonata, until I get an answer from you
and the check, which I long to see. The name of the courier is De Smidt, by
whom you will receive both the Quintet and Sonata. I beg you will give me
an immediate answer. I will write more fully next time.
In haste, your
BEETHOVEN.
262.
TO RIES.
April 19, 1819.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--
I ask your forgiveness a thousand times for the trouble I cause you. I
cannot understand how it is that there are so many mistakes in the copying
of the Sonata. This incorrectness no doubt proceeds from my no longer being
able to keep a copyist of my own; circumstances have brought this about.
May God send me more prosperity, till ---- is in a better position! This
will not be for a whole year to come. It is really dreadful the turn
affairs have taken, and the reduction of my salary, while no man can tell
what the issue is to be till the aforesaid year has elapsed.
If the Sonata be not suitable for London, I could send another, or you
might omit the _Largo_, and begin at once with the _Fugue_ in the last
movement, or the first movement, _Adagio_, and the third the _Scherzo_, the
_Largo_, and the _Allegro risoluto_. I leave it to you to settle as you
think best. This Sonata was written at a time of great pressure. It is hard
to write for the sake of daily bread; and yet I have actually come to this!
We can correspond again about my visit to London. To be rescued from this
wretched and miserable condition is my only hope of deliverance, for as it
is I can neither enjoy health, nor accomplish what I could do under more
favorable auspices.
263.
TO THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY IN LAIBACH.[1]
Vienna, May 4, 1819.
I fully appreciate the high compliment paid to me by the respected members
of the Philharmonic Society, in acknowledgment of my poor musical deserts,
by electing me honorary member of their Society, and sending me the diploma
through Herr von Tuscher; and as a proof of my sense of this honor, I
intend in due course to forward to the Society an unpublished work of
mine.[2] Moreover, at any time when I can be of use to the Society, I shall
be prepared to forward their wishes.
I remain,
the humble servant and honorary member
of the Philharmonic Society,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: In Dr. Fr. Keesbacher's pamphlet, "_The Philharmonic Society
in Laibach, from 1702 to 1862_," he says:--"The Philharmonic Society,
always anxious to add to its lustre by attracting honorary members,
resolved to appoint the great master of harmony as one of these. This idea
had previously occurred to them in 1808. At that time they asked Dr. Anton
Schmidt whether he thought that the election of Beethoven, and also
Hummel's son, would contribute to the advancement of the Society. On that
occasion the Society appear to have had recourse to Haydn for the
composition of a Canon; whether they applied to him for a new one or an
already existing one is not known. Schmidt replied, 'I, for my part, with
such an object in view, would prefer giving my vote for the latter,
(Hummel's son, who is second Kapellmeister, Haydn being the first, to the
reigning Prince Niklas Esterhazy.) _Beethoven is as full of caprice as he
is devoid of complaisance._ I have not seen Father Haydn for a long time,
his residence being so distant. He is now in failing health and scarcely
ever writes; I will, however, shortly call on him and make the attempt to
get a Canon from him.' This discouraging picture of Beethoven, who had
indeed too often a repulsive manner, might well deprive the Society of all
courage to think any more of him as one of their honorary members. On the
15th of March, 1819, however, the Society prepared the diploma for
Beethoven, the usually stereotyped form being exceptionally varied in his
honor, and running thus:--'The Philharmonic Society here, whose aim it is
to promote refinement of feeling and cultivation of taste in the science of
music, and who strive by their incessant efforts to impart to the Society
both inwardly and outwardly, by the judicious selection of new members,
greater value, solidity, and distinction, are universally animated with the
desire to see their list adorned by the name of Beethoven. The organ of
this society, the undersigned directors, fulfil the general wish in thus
performing _their most agreeable duty_, and giving you, sir, the strongest
proof of their profound admiration, by appointing you one of their honorary
members.--Laibach, March 15, 1819.'" A fac-simile of Beethoven's
handwriting is hung up in a frame under glass in the hall of the Society
and affixed to Dr. Keesbacher's pamphlet.]
[Footnote 2: We are told, "One work alone of Beethoven's in the collection
of the Society bears visible marks of coming from his own hand, and that is
the _Pastoral Symphony_." The above-mentioned copy is a MS. score (though
not in his writing); on the cover is written by himself in red pencil, now
almost illegible, "Sinfonie Pastorale;" and underneath are inscribed the
following words in ink by another hand: "Beethoven's writing in red
pencil." This score contains various corrections in pencil. Two of these
appear to be by Beethoven, but unluckily the pencil marks are so much
effaced that it is difficult to decide as to the writing. In the scene "By
the Rivulet," where the 12/8 time begins (in B flat major), these words are
written, "Violoncelli tutti con Basso." The B especially recalls his mode
of writing. Moreover the _tempo_ at the beginning of "The Shepherd's Song,"
(in F, 6/8 time,) _allegretto_, is qualified by the same hand in pencil
thus, _Quasi allegro_. No direct proof exists of this being sent by him.]
264.
TO F. RIES,--LONDON.
Vienna, May 25, 1819.
... I was at the time burdened with cares beyond all I had ever in my life
known,[1] caused solely by my too lavish benefits to others. Do compose
industriously! My dear pupil the Archduke Rudolph and I frequently play
your works, and he says that my quondam pupil does honor to his master. Now
farewell! as I hear that your wife is so handsome, I venture to embrace her
in imagination only, though I hope to have that pleasure in person next
winter.
Do not forget the Quintet, and the Sonata, and the money, I mean the
_Honoraire, avec ou sans honneur_. I hope soon to hear good news from you,
not in _allegro_ time, but _veloce prestissimo_.
This letter will be given to you by an intelligent Englishman; they are
generally very able fellows, with whom I should like to pass some time in
their own country.
_Prestissimo--Responsio
De suo amico e Maestro,_
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: In Schindler's _Beethoven's Nachlass_ there is a large
calendar of the years 1819 used by Beethoven, in which he has marked,
"Arrived at Mödling May 12!!!--_miser sum pauper_." Carl too was again ill
at that time. Beethoven took him to Blöchlinger's Institution, June 22.]
265.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1819.
I learned with deep sorrow of your being again unwell; I trust it will only
be a passing indisposition. No doubt our very variable spring is the cause
of this. I intended to have brought the variations [see No. 259] yesterday;
they may well boldly face the light of day, and no doubt Y.R.H. will
receive an application for your consent on this point. I very much regret
being only able to express a _pia desideria_ for Y.R.H's. health. I
earnestly hope the skill of your Aesculapius may at length gain the victory
and procure permanent health for Y.R.H.
[K.]
266.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Mödling, July 15, 1819.
I have been very ill since my last visit to Y.R.H. in town; I hope however
to be much better by next week, in which case I will instantly join Y.R.H.
at Baden. Meanwhile I went several times to town to consult my physician.
My continued distress about my nephew, whose moral character has been
almost totally ruined, has been the main cause of my illness. At the
beginning of this week I was obliged to resume my guardianship, the other
guardian having resigned, and much has taken place for which he has asked
my forgiveness. The solicitor has also given up his office, because, having
interested himself in the good cause, he has been loudly accused of
partiality. Thus these endless perplexities go on, and no help, no
consolation! The whole fabric that I had reared now blown away as if by the
wind! A pupil of Pestalozzi, at present an inmate of the Institute where I
have placed my nephew, seems to think that it will be a difficult matter
for him and for my poor Carl to attain any desirable goal. But he is also
of opinion that the most advisable step is the removal of my nephew to a
foreign country! I hope that the health of Y.R.H., always so interesting to
me, leaves nothing to be desired, and I look forward with pleasure to soon
being with Y.R.H., that I may be enabled to prove my anxiety to serve you.
[K.]
267.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1819.
May I beg the favor of Y.R.H. to inform H.R.H. Archduke Ludwig of the
following circumstances. Y.R.H. no doubt remembers my mentioning the
necessary removal of my nephew from here, on account of his mother. My
intention was to present a petition to H.R.H. Archduke Ludwig on the
subject; no difficulties however have hitherto arisen on the subject, as
all the authorities concerned are in my favor. Among the chief of these are
the College of Privy Councillors, the Court of Guardians, and the guardian
himself, who all entirely agree with me in thinking that nothing can be
more conducive to the welfare of my nephew than being kept at the greatest
possible distance from his mother; moreover, all is admirably arranged for
the education of my nephew in Landshut, as the estimable and renowned
Professor Sailer is to superintend everything connected with the studies of
the youth, and I have also some relations there, so no doubt the most
desirable results may be thus attained for my nephew. Having, as I already
said, as yet encountered no obstacles, I had no wish whatever to trouble
H.R.H. the Archduke Ludwig, but I now understand that the mother of my
nephew intends to demand an audience from H.R.H. in order to _oppose_ my
scheme. She will not scruple to utter all sorts of _calumnies against me_,
but I trust these can be easily refuted by my well known and acknowledged
moral character, and I can fearlessly appeal to Y.R.H. for a testimony on
this point for the satisfaction of H.R.H. Archduke Ludwig. As for the
conduct of the mother of my nephew, it is easily to be inferred from the
fact of her having been declared by the Court wholly incapable of
undertaking the guardianship of her son. All that she _plotted_ in order to
ruin her poor child can only be credited from her own depravity, and thence
arises the _unanimous agreement_ about this affair, and the boy being
entirely withdrawn from her influence. Such is the natural and unnatural
state of the case. I therefore beg Y.R.H. to intercede with H.R.H. Archduke
Ludwig, and to warn him against listening to the slanders of the mother,
who would plunge her child into an abyss whence he could never be rescued.
That sense of justice which guides every party in our just Austrian land,
does not entirely exclude her either; at the same time, this _very same
sense of justice_ must render all her remonstrances unavailing. A religious
view of the Fourth Commandment is what chiefly decides the Court to send
away the son as far as possible. The difficulty those must have who conduct
the boy's education in not offending against this commandment, and the
necessity that the son should never be tempted to fail in this duty or to
repudiate it, ought certainly to be taken into consideration. Every effort
has been made by forbearance and generosity to amend this unnatural mother,
but all has been in vain. If necessary I will supply H.R.H. Archduke Ludwig
with a statement on the subject, and, favored by the advocacy of my
gracious master Y.R.H. the Archduke Rudolph, I shall certainly obtain
justice.
[K.]
268.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1819.
I regret to say that, owing to a judicial meeting about the affairs of my
nephew (being unable to alter the hour fixed), I must give up the pleasure
of waiting on Y.R.H. this evening, but shall not fail to do so to-morrow at
half-past four o'clock. As for the affair itself, I know that I shall be
treated with indulgence. May Heaven at length bring it to a close! for my
mind suffers keenly from such a painful turmoil.
[K.]
269.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Mödling, July 29, 1819.
I heard with deep regret of Y.R.H.'s recent indisposition, and having
received no further reliable information on the subject, I am extremely
uneasy. I went to Vienna to search in Y.R.H.'s library for what was most
suitable to me. The chief object must be to _hit off our idea at once_, and
_in accordance with a high class of art_, unless the object in view should
require different and more _practical_ treatment. On this point the ancient
composers offer the best examples, as most of these possess real artistic
value (though among them the _German Handel_ and Sebastian Bach can alone
lay claim to _genius_); but _freedom_ and _progress_ are our true aim in
the world of art, just as in the great creation at large; and if we moderns
are not so far advanced as our _forefathers_ in _solidity_, still the
refinement of our ideas has contributed in many ways to their enlargement.
My illustrious musical pupil, himself a competitor for the laurels of fame,
must not incur the reproach of _onesidedness, et iterum venturus judicare
vivos et mortuos_. I send you three poems, from which Y.R.H. might select
one to set to music. The Austrians have now learned that the _spirit of
Apollo_ wakes afresh in the Imperial House; I receive from all sides
requests for something of yours. The editor of the "Mode Zeitung" is to
write to Y.R.H. on the subject. I only hope that I shall not be accused of
being _bribed_--to be _at court and yet no courtier_! After that, what is
not credible??!!!
_I met with some opposition from His Excellency the Obersthofmeister[1] in
selecting the music._ It is not worth while to trouble Y.R.H. on the
subject in writing; but this I will say, that such conduct might have the
effect of repelling many talented, good, and noble-minded men, who had not
enjoyed the good fortune to learn from personal intercourse with Y.R.H. all
the admirable qualities of your mind and heart. I wish Y.R.H. a speedy,
speedy recovery, and, _for my own peace of mind_, that I may hear some good
tidings of Y.R.H.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: Probably the Obersthofmeister, Count Laurencin, by no means
approved of the manner in which Beethoven searched for music, which
accounts for this outbreak on the part of the irritable _maestro_.]
270.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1819.
I have unhappily only myself to blame! I went out yesterday for the first
time, feeling pretty well, but I forgot, or rather paid no attention to the
fact, that, being an invalid only just recovering, I ought to have gone
home early; I have consequently brought on another attack. I think,
however, that by staying at home to-day, all will be right by to-morrow,
when I hope to be able to wait on my esteemed and illustrious pupil without
fail. I beg Y.R.H. not to forget about Handel's works, as they certainly
offer to your mature musical genius the highest nourishment, and their
study will always be productive of admiration of this great man.
[K.]
271.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Mödling, Aug. 31, 1819.
I yesterday received the intelligence _of a fresh recognition and homage[1]
offered to the admirable qualities of your head and heart_. I beg that
Y.R.H. will graciously accept my congratulations. They spring from the
heart, and do not require to be suggested! I hope things will soon go
better with me also. So much annoyance has had a most prejudicial effect on
my health, and I am thus far from well; so for some time past I have been
obliged to undergo a course of medicine which has only permitted me to
devote myself for a few hours in the day to the most cherished boon of
Heaven, my art and the Muses. I hope, however, to be able to finish the
Mass[2] so that it can be performed on the 19th--if that day is still
fixed. I should really be in despair[3] were I prevented by bad health from
being ready by that time. I trust, however, that my sincere wishes for the
accomplishment of this task may be fulfilled. As to that _chef-d'oeuvre_,
the variations of Y.R.H., I think they should be published under the
following title:--
Theme or Subject
composed by L. van Beethoven,
forty times varied,
and dedicated to his Instructor,
by the Illustrious Author.
The inquiries about this work are numerous, and yet, after all, this
excellent composition may be ushered into the world in mutilated copies,
for Y.R.H. yourself cannot possibly resist giving it first to one person
and then to another; so, in Heaven's name, together with the great homage
Y.R.H. now publicly receives, let the homage to Apollo (or the Christian
Cecilia) also be made public. Perhaps Y.R.H. may accuse me of _vanity_; but
I do assure you that precious as this dedication is to my heart, and truly
proud of it as I am, this is certainly not my chief object. Three
publishers have offered to take the work,--Artaria, Steiner, and a third
whose name does not at this moment occur to me. So of the two I have named,
which is to have the variations? I await the commands of Y.R.H. on this
point. They are to be engraved at the cost of either of those publishers,
according to their own offer. The question now is whether Y.R.H. _is
satisfied with the title_. My idea is that Y.R.H. should entirely close
your eyes to the fact of the publication; when it does appear, Y.R.H. may
deem it a misfortune, _but the world will consider it the reverse_. May
Providence protect Y.R.H., and shower down the richest blessings of His
grace on Y.R.H.'s sacred head, and preserve for me your gracious regard!
[On the cover] My indisposition must be my excuse with Y.R.H. for this
confused letter.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: The Emperor Francis had sent the new Archbishop of Olmütz,
Archduke Rudolph, the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Stephen.]
[Footnote 2: The Mass for the solemnities of the Archduke Rudolph's
enthronization in Olmütz (March 20, 1820) was not completed by Beethoven
till 1822.]
[Footnote 3: Beethoven had, however, no cause for despair on the subject.
The kind-hearted Archduke showed the utmost indulgence to him on this
occasion as well as on many others, and even at a later period accepted the
dedication of this long delayed composition.]
272.[1]
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1819.
I perceive that Baron Schweiger has not informed Y.R.H. of the attack I had
yesterday. I was suddenly seized with such sharp fever that I entirely lost
consciousness; a bruised foot may have contributed to bring this on. It is
therefore impossible for me to leave the house to-day. I hope, however, to
be quite recovered by to-morrow, and I request Y.R.H. to appoint the
orchestra to come to-morrow afternoon at a quarter to three o'clock, that
the musicians may appear a little earlier, and leave sufficient time to try
over the two Overtures. If Y.R.H. wishes to hear these, I shall require
four horns; the Symphonies, however, require only two. For the proper
performance of the Symphonies we must have at least four violins, four
second, four first, two double basses, two violoncellos. I beg you will be
so good as to let me know what you decide on. No pleasure can ever be
greater to me than hearing my works performed before my illustrious pupil.
May God speedily restore your health, which often causes me anxiety!
[K.]
[Footnote 1: The letters 272, 273, 274, relate to arrangements for musical
meetings at which Beethoven caused his new works to be played for the
Archduke.]
273.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1819.
I beg you will be so kind as to let Herr von Wranitzky[1] know your
commands about the music, and whether to bespeak two or four horns. I have
already spoken with him, and suggested his only selecting musicians who can
accomplish a performance, rather than a mere rehearsal.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: Anton Wranitzky (born 1760, died 1819), director of Prince
Lobkowitz's opera and band. His brother Paul (born 1756, died 1808) was
from 1785 to 1808 Kapellmeister at the Royal Opera in Vienna.]
274.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1819.
It is impossible to double the parts by eleven o'clock to-morrow, most of
the copyists having so much to write this week. I think therefore you will
perhaps appoint next Saturday for our _resurrection day_, and by that time
I expect to be entirely recovered, and better able to conduct, which would
have been rather an arduous task for me to-morrow, in spite of my
good-will. On Friday I do hope to be able to go out and inquire for Y.R.H.
[K.]
275.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1819.
(_A Fragment._)
The day when a High Mass of mine is performed in honor of the solemnities
for Y.R.H. will be the most delightful of my life, and God will enlighten
me so that my poor abilities may contribute to the splendors of that solemn
occasion. I send you the Sonata with heartfelt gratitude; I think the
violoncello part is wanting,--at least I could not lay my hand on it at the
moment. As the work is beautifully engraved, I have taken the liberty to
add a published copy, and also a violin quintet. In addition to the two
pieces written in my hand on Y.R.H.'s name-day, there are two more; the
last a grand _Fugato_, so that it forms one great sonata,[1] which is now
shortly to appear, and has been long _in my heart_ dedicated to Y.R.H. _The
recent occurrence connected with Y.R.H.[2] is not in the slightest degree
the cause of this._ I beg you will forgive my bad writing. I implore the
Lord to bestow His richest blessings on Y.R.H., whose love of humanity is
so comprehensive,--one of the choicest of all qualities; and in this
respect Y.R.H. will always, either in a _worldly_ or _spiritual_ point of
view, be one of our brightest examples.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: The Grand Sonata with two movements, and two additional ones,
of which the last is a grand fugued one, can scarcely be any other than the
pianoforte Sonata (Op. 106) composed in 1818, dedicated to the Archduke
Rudolph, and published in September, 1819.]
[Footnote 2: The "recent occurrence" to which Beethoven alludes is no doubt
his being appointed Archbishop.]
276.
TO HERR BLÖCHLINGER.
Mödling, Sept. 14, 1819.
85 florins enclosed.
DEAR SIR,--