the 22d Sept., and I add 10 florins in order to provide for any unforeseen
expenses, which you will please account for to me on the 12th October. The
following persons alone are to have free access to my nephew: Herr von
Bernard, Herr von Oliva, Herr von Piuss.
If any persons, exclusive of those I have named, wish to see my nephew, I
will give them a letter to you, when you will be so obliging as to admit
them; for the distance to your house is considerable, and those who go
there can only do so to oblige me, as, for example, the bandage-maker, &c.,
&c.
My nephew must never leave your house without a written permission from me.
From this you will at once plainly perceive your line of conduct towards
Carl's mother. I must impress on you the necessity of these rules
(proceeding from the magistrates and myself) being strictly enforced. You,
dear sir, are too little experienced in these circumstances, however
obvious your other merits are to me, to act on your own judgment in the
matter, as you have hitherto done. Credulity can in the present instance
only lead to embarrassment, the result of which might prove injurious to
you rather than beneficial, and this I wish to avoid for the sake of your
own credit.
I hear that my nephew requires, or at all events wishes to have, a variety
of things from me; he has only to apply to myself. Be so good as to forward
all his letters through Herr Steiner & Co., Pater Noster Gässel, auf'm
Graben.
Your obedient
BEETHOVEN,
_Sole guardian of my nephew Carl Van Beethoven._
N.B. Any outlay will be at once repaid.
277.
Vienna, Sept. 21, 1819.
In honor of the visit of Herr Schlesinger of Berlin.
[Music: Four staves (SATB), B-flat major, 4/4 time, repeating.
Glaube und hoffe
Glaube und hoffe und hoffe
Glaube und hoffe, Glaube und hoffe
Glaube und hoffe, ]
L. V. BEETHOVEN.
278.
TO HERR ARTARIA,--VIENNA.
Oct. 1, 1819.
MOST EXCELLENT AND MOST VIRTUOUS OF VIRTUOSI, AND NO HUMBUG!
While informing you of all sorts of things from which we hope you will draw
the best conclusions, we request you to send us six (say 6) copies of the
Sonata in B flat major, and also six copies of the variations on the Scotch
songs, as the author's right. We beg you to forward them to Steiner, in
Pater Noster Gässel, whence they will be sent to us with some other things.
In the hope that you are conducting yourself with all due propriety and
decorum, we are your, &c.,
B----.
279.
A SKETCH WRITTEN BY BEETHOVEN,--
Corrected by Artaria's Bookkeeper, Wuister.
1819.
Having heard from Herr B. that Y.R. Highness [the Archduke Rudolph] has
written a most masterly work, we wish to be the first to have the great
honor of publishing Y.R. Highness's composition, that the world may become
acquainted with the admirable talents of so illustrious a Prince. We trust
Y. Royal Highness will comply with our respectful solicitation.
FALSTAFF--[1]
_Ragged Rascal!_
[Footnote 1: The name Beethoven gave to Artaria's partner, Bolderini.]
280.
TO ARTARIA.
Mödling, Oct. 12, 1819.
Pray forgive me, dear A. (?), for plaguing you as follows:--
We are coming to town the day after to-morrow, and expect to arrive at four
o'clock. The two days' festival compels us to return the same day, as Carl
must prepare with his master here for the second examination, these very
holidays enabling the tutor to devote more time to him; but I must soon
return to town on account of the certificate of Carl's birth, which costs
more time and money than I like. I at all times dislike travelling by the
_diligence_, and this one has moreover one peculiarity, that you may wish
to go on what day you please, but it always turns out to be a Friday on
which it sets off; and though a good Christian, still one Friday in the
year is sufficient for me. I beg you will request the leader of the choir
(the devil alone knows what the office is!) to be so good as to give us
Carl's _certificate of birth_ on the afternoon of the same day if possible.
He might do so at seven o'clock in the morning, at the time we arrive; but
he ought to be punctual, for Carl is to appear at the examination at
half-past seven o'clock. So it must be _either to-morrow at_ seven, or _at
all events in the afternoon_. We shall call on you to-morrow before seven
o'clock to inquire about this, with the proviso of a visit later in the
day. In haste, and asking your pardon,
Your
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.
281.
PETITION TO THE MAGISTRACY.[1]
Oct. 30, 1819.
GENTLEMEN,--
My brother, Carl van Beethoven, died on November 5, 1815, leaving a boy
twelve years old,--his son Carl. In his will, by clause 5, he bequeathed to
me the guardianship of the boy, and in the codicil B he expressed a wish
that his widow, Johanna, should have a share in this duty, adding that, for
the sake of his child, he recommended her to submit to my guidance. This
explicit declaration of the father, added to my legal claim, I being the
nearest relative (clause 198), entitles me clearly to the guardianship of
my nephew, Carl van Beethoven; and the Court of Justice, by their Decree E,
committed to me, under existing circumstances, the guardianship, to the
exclusion moreover of Beethoven's widow. A journey on business having
compelled me to be for some time absent, I did not object to an official
guardian supplying my place for the time, which was effected by the
nomination of the Town Sequestrator, Herr Nussböck.
Being now, however, finally settled here, and the welfare of the boy very
precious to me, both love and duty demand that I should resume my rights;
especially as this talented lad is coming to an age when greater care and
expense must be bestowed on his education, on which his whole future
prospects depend. This duty ought not to be confided to any woman, far less
to his mother, who possesses neither the will nor the power to adopt those
measures indispensable to a manly and suitable education.
I am the more anxious to reclaim my guardianship of Carl, as I understand
that, in consequence of want of means to defray the expenses of the school
where I placed him, he is to be removed, and his mother wishes him to live
with her, in order herself to spend his trifling provision, and thus save
the one half of her pension, which, according to the decree, she is bound
to apply to his use.
I have hitherto taken a paternal charge of my nephew, and I intend to do
the same in future at my own expense, being resolved that the hopes of his
deceased father, and the expectations I have formed for this clever boy,
shall be fulfilled by his becoming an able man and a good citizen.
With this view I accordingly request that the highly respected magistrates
whom I now address will be pleased to annul the Town Sequestrator
Nussböck's interim office, and forthwith transfer to me the sole
guardianship of my nephew Carl van Beethoven.[2]
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Evidently drawn up by his advocate, Dr. Bach, from Beethoven's
notes.]
[Footnote 2: The magisterial decree of Nov. 4, 1819, was adverse to
Beethoven.]
282.
TO F. RIES,--LONDON.
Vienna, Nov. 10, 1819.
DEAR RIES,--
I write to let you know that the Sonata is already out, though only a
fortnight ago, and it is nearly six months since I sent you both the
Quintet and the Sonata. In the course of a few days I will send them both
to you engraved, and from them you can correct the two works.
Having received no letter from you on the subject, I thought the thing was
at an end. I have indeed made shipwreck already with Neate this year! I
only wish you could contrive to get me the fifty ducats which I have yet to
receive, as I calculated on them, and really am in great want of money. I
shall say no more to-day, but must inform you that I have nearly completed
a _new Grand Mass_. Write to me whether you could do anything with this in
London; but soon, very soon, and send the money soon also for both works. I
will write more fully next time. In haste,
Your true and faithful friend,
BEETHOVEN.
283.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Dec. 14, 1819.
Immediately on last leaving Y.R.H. I was taken ill, of which I apprised
Y.R.H., but owing to a change in my household, neither the letter in
question nor another to Y.R.H. was ever sent. In it I begged Y.R.H.'s
indulgence, having some works on hand that I was obliged to dispatch with
all speed, owing to which I was, alas! compelled to lay aside the Mass
also.[1] I hope Y.R.H. will ascribe the delay solely to the pressure of
circumstances. This is not the time to enter fully into the subject, but I
must do so as soon as the right moment arrives, that Y.R.H. may not form
too severe or undeserved a judgment of me. My heart is always with Y.R.H.,
and I trust at length circumstances may in so far change, that I may be
able to contribute more than I have hitherto done, to perfecting your great
talent. I think, however, Y.R.H. is already aware of my good-will in this
respect, and is fully convinced that insurmountable obstacles alone can
ever detain me from the most excellent of all princes, so revered by me,
and so entwined with every feeling of my heart. I did not till yesterday
hear of the mistake about the two letters, and I now intend to bring them
myself, for I have no one in my service on whom I can depend. I will
present myself at your house this afternoon at half-past four o'clock. My
warmest thanks for Y.R.H.'s kind letter to me. When Y.R.H. thus vouchsafes
to declare your esteem for me, it only heightens and increases my impulse
to all that is good.
[Footnote 1: Another allusion to the Grand Mass in D, which seemed likely
never to be completed.]
284.
MEMORANDUM.
1822.
The Mass[1] will soon be all in Y.R.H.'s hands; it ought to have been, and
would have been so long ago, but--but--but--when Y.R.H. becomes acquainted
with my circumstances, you will be surprised that I have even now been able
to finish it.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: The circumstances which prevented the completion of this work
were undoubtedly his perpetual state of strife with his nephew and his
sister-in-law.]
285.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
I heard with heartfelt sorrow of Y.R.H.'s indisposition, but hope soon to
hear of your recovery. Why am I also ill? for I might possibly discover the
best mode of restoring Y.R.H. I will call again to inquire after Y.R.H.,
and hope to hear good news.
[K.]
286.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
I have been rather an invalid all this time, though I try to think myself
tolerably well. I deeply regret to hear of Y.R.H.'s attack, especially as I
knew nothing of it, or I certainly should have hastened to inquire whether
it was in my power in any way to alleviate your sufferings. To-morrow, in
compliance with Y.R.H.'s wish, I shall certainly enjoy the pleasure of
seeing my own most dear and illustrious master.
[K.]
287.
TO THE ROYAL AND IMPERIAL HIGH COURT OF APPEAL.
Jan. 7, 1820.
GENTLEMEN,--
On the plea of the Decree A, I sought to have transferred to myself the
guardianship of my nephew, Carl v. Beethoven, but was referred by the
magistracy to the previous decision. On my consequent remonstrance the same
result ensued.
I find myself the more aggrieved by this, inasmuch as not only are my own
rights set at naught, but even the welfare of my nephew is thus utterly
disregarded. I am therefore compelled to have recourse to the highest Court
of Appeal to lay before them my well-founded claim, and rightfully to
demand that the guardianship of my nephew should be restored to me.
My reasons are the following:--
1st. I am entitled to the guardianship of my nephew, not only by his
father's will, but by law, and this the Court of Justice confirmed to the
exclusion of the mother. When business called me away from Vienna, I
conceded that Herr Nussböck should act for me _ad interim_. Having now,
however, taken up my residence here, the welfare of my nephew demands that
I should again undertake the office of his guardian.
2d. My nephew has arrived at an age when he requires to be trained to a
higher degree of cultivation. Neither his mother nor his present guardian
are calculated to guide the boy in the pursuit of his studies. The former,
in the first place, because she is a woman; and as to her conduct, it has
been legally proved that, to say the least of it, she has no creditable
testimonials to bring forward,[1] on which account she was expressly
prohibited from acting by the Court of Justice. How the Honorable
Magistracy could nevertheless again appoint her is quite incomprehensible.
The latter is unfit; because, on the one hand, his office as sequestrator
and administrator of houses and lands, occupies his time too much to enable
him properly to undertake the duties of guardian to the boy; and, on the
other, because his previous occupation as a paper manufacturer, does not
inspire me with any confidence that he possesses the intelligence or
judgment indispensable to conduct a scientific education.
3d. The welfare of my nephew is dearer to my heart than it can be to any
one else. I am myself childless, and have no relations except this boy, who
is full of talent, and I have good grounds to hope the best for him, if
properly trained. Now I am compelled to hear that he has been delayed a
whole year by remaining in his previous class, from want of means to defray
the expense, and that his mother intends to remove him from his present
school, and wishes him to live with her. What a misfortune to the boy, were
he to become a victim to the mismanagement of his mother, who would fain
squander on herself that portion of her pension which she is obliged to
devote to the education of her son!
I have therefore declared in due form to the Honorable Magistracy that I am
myself willing to undertake the expenses of his present school, and also to
provide the various masters required. Being rather deaf, which is an
impediment to conversation, I have requested the aid of a colleague, and
suggested for this purpose Herr Peters, Councillor of Prince Lobkowitz, in
order that a person may forthwith be appointed to superintend the education
and progress of my nephew, that his moral character may one day command
esteem, and whose acquirements may be a sure guaranty to all those who feel
an interest in the youth's welfare, that he will undoubtedly receive the
education and culture necessary to develop his abilities.
My efforts and wishes have no other aim than to give the boy the best
possible education,--his abilities justifying the brightest hopes,--and to
fulfil the trust placed in my brotherly love by his father. The shoot is
still flexible; but if longer neglected it will become crooked, and outgrow
the gardener's training hand, and upright bearing, intellect, and
character, be destroyed forever.
I know no duty more sacred than the education and training of a child. The
chief duties of a guardian consist in knowing how to appreciate what is
good, and in adopting a right course; then alone has proper attention been
devoted to the welfare of his ward, whereas in opposing what is good he
neglects his duty.
Indeed, keeping in view what is most for the benefit of the boy, I do not
object to the mother in so far sharing in the duties of a guardian that she
may visit her son, and see him, and be apprised of all the measures adopted
for his education; but to intrust her with the sole guardianship of the boy
without a strict guardian by her side, would cause the irrevocable ruin of
her son.
On these cogent grounds I reiterate my well-founded solicitation, and feel
the more confident of a favorable answer, as the welfare of my nephew alone
guides my steps in this affair.[2]
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Schindler states that during these law proceedings the widow
of Beethoven's brother had another child.]
[Footnote 2: The Court excluded Carl's mother from all share in his
education, and from all direct influence over her son, and again restored
to Beethoven the full authority of a guardian.]
288.
TO HIS HIGHNESS THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
[Music: Treble clef, C major.
Seiner Kaiserlichen Hoheit!
Dem Erzherzog Rudolph!
Dem geistlichen Fürsten!
Alles Gute! alles Schöne!
alles Gute! alles Schöne!
alles alles Gute, alles alles Schöne!
alles Gute! alles Schöne!
alles Gute, alles Schöne!
alles alles Gute, alles Schöne!
alles Gute, alles Schöne!
alles Gute, alles Schöne!]
From your obedient servant,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.
Jan. 12, 1820.
289.
TESTIMONIAL IN FAVOR OF HERR V. KANDELER.
It is certainly the duty of every musical composer to become acquainted
with all the earlier as well as more modern poets, in order to select what
is most suitable to his purpose for songs. Such, however, not being
invariably the case, this present collection of Herr v. Kandeler's cannot
fail to be useful and commendable to many who wish to write songs, and also
tend to induce more able poets to contribute something in the same
direction.
LUDWIG V. BEETHOVEN.--M.P.
I entirely agree with Herr v. Beethoven.
JOS. WEIGEL.
290.
TO THEODORE AMADEUS HOFFMANN.[1]
Vienna, March 23, 1820.
I seize the opportunity through Herr N. of approaching a man so gifted as
yourself. You have also written of my humble self, and Herr N.N. showed me
some lines of yours about me in his album; I have, therefore, every reason
to believe that you feel some interest in me. Permit me to say that, on the
part of so talented a man as yourself, this is truly gratifying to me. I
wish you all possible good and happiness, and remain,
Sir, with esteem, your obedient
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: It is well known that Hoffmann, in the years 1809 to 1812,
wrote the first really important articles on Beethoven's works for the
_Leipzig A.M. Zeitung_ on his instrumental music, his trios, and masses,
&c., &c.]
291.
TO HERR HASLINGER,--ADJUTANTERL.
I request the Adjutant to lend me the score of the Overture in E flat,
which I will return as soon as the performance is over. I also beg he will
be so good as to send me Kirnberger's work to supply the place of mine, as
I am at this moment giving lessons in counterpoint, and have been unable to
find my own manuscript amid my confused mass of papers. Yours,
MI CONTRA FA.
292.
TO TOBIAS,--ADJUTANT.
MOST WORTHY ADJUTANT,--
I have made a bet of ten florins, W.W., against the truth of your having
been obliged to pay a compensation of 2000 florins to Artaria for the new
edition of Mozart's works, which have been again and again engraved and
sold everywhere. I really wish to know the truth on this subject, for I
cannot possibly believe what is said. If it be the fact that you have been
so unhandsomely treated, then _Ah, dolce contento_ must pay the ten
florins. Send me a true report. Farewell; be a good Christian. Your
BEETHOVEN.
293.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Vienna, April 3, 1820.
YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS,--
So far as I can recollect, when I was about to wait on you, I was told that
Y.R.H. was indisposed; I called on Sunday evening to inquire, having been
assured that Y.R.H. did not intend to set off on Monday. In accordance with
my usual custom, not to remain long in an anteroom, I hurried away after
receiving this information, though I observed that the gentleman in waiting
wished to say something to me. Unhappily I did not hear till Monday
afternoon that Y.R.H. had really gone to Olmütz. I must confess that this
caused me a very painful feeling, but my consciousness of never having
neglected my duty in any respect, induced me to suppose that the same may
have been the case on this occasion, as it often is in human life,--for I
can easily conceive that Y.R.H., immersed in ceremonies and novel
impressions, had very little time to spare in Olmütz for other things. I
should otherwise certainly have anticipated Y.R.H. in writing. May I ask
you graciously to inform me what length of stay you intend to make in
Olmütz? It was reported that Y.R.H. intended to return here towards the end
of May; but a few days ago I heard that you were to remain a year and a
half in Olmütz; owing to this I may perhaps have adopted wrong measures,
not with regard to Y.R.H., but myself. As soon as I receive information
from you on the subject, I will enter into further explanations. May I also
beg that in the mean time Y.R.H. will not listen to certain reports about
me? I have heard a great deal of what may be termed gossip here, which
people seem to think may be acceptable to Y.R.H. As Y.R.H. is pleased to
say that I am one of those whom you esteem, I can confidently declare that
Y.R.H. is the person whom I value most in the universe. Although no
courtier, I believe that Y.R.H. knows me too thoroughly to believe that
mere selfish interest has ever attached or attracted me towards Y.R.H.,
but, on the contrary, true and heartfelt affection alone. I can with truth
say that a second Blondel has long since set forth on his pilgrimage, and
if no Richard can be found in this world for me, God shall be my Sovereign!
It seems to me that my idea of giving a quartet is the best; even though
some works have been already performed on a grand scale at Olmütz, still
something might thus be introduced into Moravia to attract the attention of
the musical world, and for the benefit of Art.
If, according to the above reports, Y.R.H. should return here in May, I
advise Y.R.H. to reserve your _spiritual children_ for me [see No. 279]
till then, because it would be better that I should hear them performed by
yourself. But if your stay in Olmütz is really to be of such long duration,
I will receive them now with the greatest pleasure, and strive to accompany
Y.R.H. to the summit of Parnassus. May God preserve Y.R.H. in health for
the good of humanity, and also for that of all your warm admirers. I beg
you will be graciously pleased soon to write to me. Y.R.H. cannot fail to
be convinced of my readiness at all times to fulfil your wishes.
I am Y.R.H.'s humble and faithful servant,
LUDWIG V. BEETHOVEN
294.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Mödling, Aug. 3, 1820.
I have this moment received the letter in which Y.R.H. informs me yourself
of your journey hither, and I sincerely thank Y.R.H. for such a mark of
attention. I intended to have hastened to town to-morrow to wait on Y.R.H.,
but no carriage is to be had; I expect however to get one before next
Saturday, when I shall lose no time, and set off at an early hour to
inquire for Y.R.H. With regard to the sacrifice Y.R.H. intends to offer up
to the Muses, I will make a proposal verbally on the subject. I heartily
rejoice in knowing that Y.R.H. is once more so near me. May I in all
respects be enabled to assist in fulfilling your wishes! May Heaven bless
Y.R.H., and mature all your plans!
[K.]
295.
TO HERR ARTARIA, FALSTAFF, & CO.
Vienna, Oct. 26, 1820.
I politely request that you will hand over to Herr Oliva the sum of 300
florins, which has no doubt already been received by you in full. Having
been entirely occupied by removing to my new lodgings, I could not do
myself the honor of expressing my thanks to you and Sir John Falstaff in
person.
Your obedient servant,
LUDWIG V. BEETHOVEN.
296.
TO BOLDERINI.
MY VERY WORTHY FALSTAFF!--
I request, with all due civility, that you will send me a copy of each of
the two works for pianoforte and flute, with variations. As for the
receipt, you shall have it to-morrow; and I also beg you will forward it
forthwith. Give my compliments to Herr Artaria, and thank him from me for
his kind offer of an advance, but as I have received from abroad the money
due to me, I do not require to avail myself of his aid. Farewell, Knight
Falstaff; do not be too dissipated, read the Gospel, and be converted!
We remain, your well-affected
BEETHOVEN.
To Sir John Falstaff, Knight.
To the care of Herr Artaria & Co.
297.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Mödling, Sept. 1820.