severe inflammation of the eyes, which has now in so far subsided that for
the last eight days I have been able once more to use my sight, though very
sparingly. Y.R.H. will perceive from the enclosed receipt of June 27, the
dispatch of some music. As Y.R.H. seemed to take pleasure in the C minor
Sonata,[1] I thought I did not take too much on myself by surprising Y.R.H.
with the dedication. The Variations[2] have been written out for at least
five or six weeks past, but the state of my eyes did not permit me to
revise them thoroughly myself. My hope of being entirely restored proved
vain. At last I made Schlemmer look them over, so, though they may not look
very neat, still they are correct. The C minor Sonata was engraved in Paris
in a very faulty manner, and being engraved here from that copy, I tried to
make it as correct as possible. I intend shortly to send you a beautifully
engraved copy of the Variations. With regard to the Mass[3] that Y.R.H.
wished should be more generally known, my continued bad health for some
years past, causing me to incur heavy debts, and compelling me to give up
my intention of going to England, induced me to ponder on some mode of
improving my condition. This Mass seemed well adapted to my purpose. I was
advised to offer it to different courts. Painful as this was to me, I felt
that I should have cause for self-reproach if I neglected doing so. I
therefore applied to various courts to subscribe to the Mass, fixing the
price at fifty ducats; the general opinion being that this was not too
much, and if there were a good many subscribers, the scheme would not be
unprofitable. Hitherto the subscription is indeed flattering to me, as
their Majesties of France and Prussia have each taken a copy. I also
received a letter from my friend Prince Nicolaus Gallizin a few days ago,
from Petersburg, in which this most amiable Prince mentions that H.M. the
Emperor of Russia had become a subscriber, and that I should soon hear
further on the subject from the Imperial Russian Embassy. Notwithstanding
all this (and though there are some other subscribers), I have not yet
realized as much as the sum a publisher offered me for it; the only
advantage being that the work remains _mine_. The costs of copying are also
great, and further increased by three new pieces being added, which, as
soon as they are completed, I will send to Y.R.H. Perhaps you would not
think it too much trouble to apply to H.R.H. the Grand Duke of Tuscany to
take a copy of this Mass. The application was indeed made some time ago to
the Grand Duke of Tuscany through the agent here, V. Odelga, who faithfully
assured me that the proposal would be graciously accepted. I place no great
faith, however, in this, as some months have elapsed, and no notice has
been again taken of the application. As the affair is now set agoing, it is
but natural that I should do all I can to attain my desired object. The
undertaking was from the first disagreeable to me, and still more so to
mention it to Y.R.H., or to allude to it at all, but "_necessity has no
law_." I only feel grateful to Him who dwells above the stars that I now
begin once more to be able to use my eyes. I am at present writing a new
symphony for England,[4] bespoken by the Philharmonic Society, and hope it
will be quite finished fourteen days hence. I cannot strain my eyes as yet
long at a time; I beg therefore Y.R.H.'s indulgence with regard to your
Variations,[5] which appear to me very charming, but still require closer
revision on my part. Y.R.H. has only to persevere, especially to accustom
yourself to write down your ideas at once at the piano, quickly and
briefly. For this purpose a small table ought to be placed close beside the
piano. By this means not only is the imagination strengthened; but you
learn instantly to hold fast the most fugitive ideas. It is equally
necessary to be able to write without any piano; and sometimes a simple
choral melody, to be carried out in simple or varied phrases, in
counterpoint, or in a free manner, will certainly entail no headache on
Y.R.H., but rather, in finding yourself thus right amid the centre of art,
cause you very great pleasure. The faculty of representing precisely what
we wish and feel comes by degrees; an essential _desideratum_ for a
noble-minded man. My eyes warn me to conclude. With every kind and good
wish for Y.R.H., I remain, &c., &c.
[K.]
POSTSCRIPT.
If Y.R.H. should confer the happiness of a letter on me, I beg you will
address to me at Vienna, for I shall receive all my letters here safely
forwarded by the post from there. If agreeable to Y.R.H., I would beg you
to recommend the Mass to Prince Anton in Dresden,[6] so that the King of
Saxony may subscribe to it, which he will, no doubt, do if Y.R.H. shows any
interest in the matter. As soon as I know that you have actually done me
this favor, I will forthwith apply to the General-Director there[7] of the
Royal Theatre and of Music, whose office it is to arrange these things, and
send him a request to procure a subscription from the King of Saxony, which
I am reluctant to do without a recommendation from Y.R.H.
My opera, "Fidelio," was performed with much applause in Dresden at the
festivities there in honor of the visit of the King of Bavaria, when their
Majesties were all present. I received this intelligence from the
above-named director-general, who asked me for the score through Weber, and
afterwards sent me really a very handsome present in return. I hope Y.R.H.
will excuse my intruding such a request on you, but Y.R.H. knows that I am
not usually importunate. Should, however, the slightest obstacle arise to
render my request disagreeable to you, I shall not be the less convinced of
your generosity and kindness. Neither avarice, nor the love of speculation,
which I have always avoided, prompted this scheme; but necessity compels me
to use every effort to rescue my self from my present condition. Candor is
best, for it will prevent my being too hardly judged. Owing to constant ill
health, which has prevented my writing as usual, I have incurred a debt of
200 to 300 florins C.M.,[8] which can only be discharged by vigorous
exertions on my part. If my subscription succeeds better than it has
hitherto done, it will be an effectual help, and if my health improves, of
which there is every hope, I shall be able once more to resume my
compositions with fresh energy. In the mean time I trust Y.R.H. will not be
offended by my candor. Had it not been the fear of being accused of not
sufficiently _bestirring_ myself, I would have persevered in my usual
silence. As to the recommendation, I am at all events convinced that Y.R.H.
is always glad to effect good results for others when _possible_, and that
you are not likely to make any exception in my case.
[Footnote 1: This Sonata, Op. 111, dedicated to the Archduke Rudolph, was
composed in 1822, and published by Schlesinger in the beginning of 1823.]
[Footnote 2: These _Variations_ are, no doubt, the 33 C major Variations
for pianoforte, Op. 120, on a waltz of Diabelli's, dedicated to Madame
Brentano, composed in 1823, and published in the June of the same year.]
[Footnote 3: The Grand Mass in D.]
[Footnote 4: The symphony which Beethoven declared he had completed in
fourteen days was the 9th in D minor, composed in 1822 or 1823, first
performed on the 7th May, and published in 1826.]
[Footnote 5: The Archduke's Variations alluded to by Beethoven are not
published or now known.]
[Footnote 6: In a letter from the Archduke Rudolph of July 31, 1823, he
says, "My brother-in-law, Prince Anton, has written to me that the King of
Saxony is expecting your beautiful Mass."]
[Footnote 7: The director-general of the musical Court band and opera in
Dresden (1823) was Von Könneritz.]
[Footnote 8: This debt of 200 to 300 florins had only been incurred by
Beethoven in order not to sell out his shares in the Austrian Loan; he was
in no need.]
337.
TO SCHINDLER.
Hetzendorf, July 1, 1823.
I am myself writing to Wocher [cabinet courier to Prince Esterhazy? No.
333], and for more speed I send by Carl, who chances to be driving in, the
application to Prince E. Be so good as to inquire the result; I doubt its
being favorable, not expecting much kindly feeling on his part towards me,
judging from former days.[1] I believe that female influence alone ensures
success with him in such matters; at all events, I now know, by your
obliging inquiries, how I can safely write to this Scholz. The bad weather,
and more especially the bad atmosphere, prevented my paying her [Countess
Schafgotsch] a visit about this affair.[2]
Your _amicus_,
BEETHOVEN.
P.S. Nothing yet from Dresden! Schlemmer [the copyist] has just been here
asking again for money. I have now advanced him 70 Gulden. Speculations are
for commercial men, and not for poor devils like myself. Hitherto the sole
fruit of this unlucky speculation [a subscription for his Mass] are only
more debts. You have, no doubt, seen that the "Gloria" is completed. If my
eyes were only strong again, so that I could resume my writing, I should do
well enough. [Written on the cover:] Are the Variations [Op. 120] sent off
yet to London? N.B.--So far as I can remember, it was not mentioned in the
application to Prince Esterhazy that the Mass was to be delivered in
manuscript only. What mischief may ensue from this! I suspect that such was
the intention of Herr Artaria in proposing to present the Mass _gratis_ to
the Prince, as it would give Artaria an opportunity for the third time to
steal one of my works. Wocher's attention must be called to this.
Of course, there is nothing obligatory on Papageno in the matter.
[Footnote 1: Beethoven wrote the Mass in C for him in the year 1807, which
was by no means satisfactory to the prince when performed at Eisenstadt in
the year following, and conducted by Beethoven himself.]
[Footnote 2: Scholz, music director at Warmbrunn in Silesia, had written a
German text for the Mass in C. Beethoven also wished to have from him a
German translation from the Latin words adapted to the music of the Grand
Mass. Schindler says, that the words "prevented my visiting her" refer to
Countess Schafgotsch, whom Beethoven wished to see on account of Scholz,
who unhappily died in the ensuing year. His text, however, is given in the
_Cecilia_, 23-54.]
338.
TO PILAT, EDITOR OF THE "AUSTRIAN OBSERVER."
SIR,--
I shall feel highly honored if you will be so good as to mention in your
esteemed journal my nomination as an honorary member of the Royal Swedish
Musical Academy. Although neither vain nor ambitious, still I consider it
advisable not wholly to pass over such an occurrence, as in practical life
we must live and work for others, who may often eventually benefit by it.
Forgive my intrusion, and let me know if I can in any way serve you in
return, which it would give me much pleasure to do.
I am, sir, with high consideration,
Your obedient
BEETHOVEN.
339.
TO SCHINDLER.
Hetzendorf, July, 1823.
MOST WORTHY RAGAMUFFIN OF EPIRUS AND BRUNDUSIUM!--
Give this letter to the editor of the "Observer," but write the address on
it first; ask him at the same time whether his daughter makes great
progress on the piano, and if I can be of any use to her by sending her a
copy of one of my compositions. I wrote that I was an "_honorary_ member;"
I don't know, however, whether this is correct; perhaps I ought to have
said, "a corresponding member;" neither knowing nor caring much about such
things. You had also better say something on the subject to _Bernardum non
sanctum_ (editor of the "Vienna Zeitschrift"). Make inquiries, too, from
Bernard about that knave Ruprecht; tell him of this queer business, and
find out from him how he can punish the villain. Ask both these
philosophical newspaper scribes whether this may be considered an honorable
or dishonorable nomination.
340.
TO SCHINDLER.
Master flash in the pan, and wide of the mark! full of reasons, yet devoid
of reason!--Everything was ready yesterday for Gläser (the copyist). As for
you, I shall expect you in Hetzendorf to dinner at half-past two o'clock.
If you come later, dinner shall be kept for you.
341.
TO SCHINDLER.
Hetzendorf, July 2, 1823.
WORTHY HERR V. SCHINDLER,--
The incessant insolence of my landlord from the hour I entered his house up
to the present moment compels me to apply for aid to the police; so I beg
you will do so for me at once. As to the double winter windows, the
housekeeper was desired to see about them, and especially to state if they
were not necessary after such a violent storm, in case of the rain having
penetrated into the room; but her report was that the rain had not come in,
and, moreover, that it could not possibly do so. In accordance with her
statement, I locked the door to prevent this rude man entering my room
during my absence (which he had threatened). Say also further what his
conduct to you was, and that he put up a placard of the lodgings being to
let, without giving me notice, which, besides, he has no right to do till
St. James's Day. He is equally unfair in refusing to give up the receipt
from St. George's Day till St. James's, as the enclosure shows; I am
charged, too, for lighting, of which I know nothing. This detestable
lodging,[1] without any open stove, and the principal flue truly
abominable, has cost me (for extra outlay, exclusive of the rent) 259
florins, in order merely to keep me alive while I was there during the
winter. It was a deliberate fraud, as I never was allowed to see the rooms
on the first floor, but only those on the second, that I might not become
aware of their many disagreeable drawbacks. I cannot understand how a flue
_so destructive to health can be tolerated by the Government_. You remember
the appearance of the walls of your room owing to smoke, and the large sum
it cost even to lessen in any degree this discomfort, although to do away
with it wholly was impossible. My chief anxiety at present is that he may
be ordered to take down his placard, and to give me a receipt for the
house-rent I have paid; but nothing will induce me to pay for the
abominable lighting, without which it cost me enough actually to preserve
my life in such a lodging. My eyes do not yet suffer me to encounter the
town atmosphere, or I would myself apply in person to the police.
Your attached
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: The Pfarrgasse, in the Laimgrube, where Schindler lived with
him.]
342.
TO SCHINDLER.
I must have an attested copy of all the writings; I send you 45 kreutzers.
How could you possibly accept such a proposal from our churlish landlord
when accompanied by a threat? Where was your good sense? Where it always
is.
To-morrow early I shall send for the Variations, copy and originals. It is
not certain whether the Pr. comes or not; so be so good as to stay at home
till eight o'clock. You can come to dinner either to-day or to-morrow; but
you must settle which you mean to do, as it is not easy _for me_ to provide
provisions. Not later than half-past two o'clock. The housekeeper will tell
you about a lodging in the Landstrasse. It is high time, truly! As soon as
you hear of anything to be had on the Bastei or the Landstrasse, you must
at once give me notice. We must find out what room the landlord uses on
account of the well.--_Vale!_
343.
TO SCHINDLER.[1]
Hetzendorf, 1823.
SAMOTHRACIAN VAGABOND!--
You were dispatched yesterday to the South Pole, whereas we went off to the
North Pole, a slight difference now equalized by Captain Parry. There were,
however, no mashed potatoes there.
Bach [his lawyer], to whom I beg my best regards, is requested to say what
the lodging in Baden is to cost; we must also try to arrange that Carl
should come to me once every fortnight there (but cheaply; good heavens!
poverty and economy!). I intrust this matter to you, as you have your
friends and admirers among the drivers and liverymen. If you get this in
time, you had better go to Bach to-day, so that I may receive his answer
to-morrow forenoon. It is almost too late now.
You might also take that rascal of a copyist by surprise; I don't expect
much good from him. He has now had the Variations for eight days.
Your ["friend" stroked out] _amicus_,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: He no doubt alludes to Captain Parry, the celebrated
traveller, who wrote an article in the _A.M. Zeitung_ on the music of the
Esquimaux.]
344.
TO SCHINDLER.[1]
June, 1823.
SAMOTHRACIAN!--
Don't trouble yourself to come here till you receive a _Hati Scherif_. I
must say you do not deserve the _golden_ cord. My fast-sailing frigate, the
worthy and well-born Frau Schnaps, will call every three or four days to
inquire after your health.
Farewell! Bring _no one whatever_ with you: farewell!
[Footnote 1: Schindler says in his _Biography_: "These _Variations_ [Op.
120] were completed in June, 1823, and delivered to the publisher,
Diabelli, without the usual amount of time bestowed on giving them the
finishing touches; and now he set to work at once at the ninth Symphony,
some jottings of which were already written down. Forthwith all the gay
humor that had made him more sociable, and in every respect more
accessible, at once disappeared. All visits were declined," &c.]
345.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Hetzendorf, July 15, 1823.
I trust that you are in the best possible health. As for my eyes, they are
improving, though slowly, and in six or seven days at most I hope to have
the good fortune to wait on Y.R.H. If I were not obliged to use spectacles,
I should get better sooner. It is a most distressing occurrence, and has
thrown me back in everything. What soothes my feelings, however, is Y.R.H.
being fully aware that I am always to be of service to you. I have another
favor to ask of Y.R.H., which I hope you will graciously accede. Will
Y.R.H. be so kind as to grant me a testimonial to the following effect:
"That I wrote the Grand Mass expressly for Y.R.H.; that it has been for
some time in your possession; and that you have been pleased to permit me
to circulate it." This ought to have been the case, and being no untruth, I
hope I may claim this favor. Such a testimonial will be of great service to
me; for how could I have believed that my slight talents would have exposed
me to so much envy, persecution, and calumny. It has always been my
intention to ask Y.R.H.'s permission to circulate the Mass, but the
pressure of circumstances, and above all my inexperience in worldly
matters, as well as my feeble health, has caused this confusion.
If the Mass is engraved hereafter, I hope to dedicate it to Y.R.H. when
published,[1] and not till then will the limited list of royal subscribers
appear. I shall ever consider Y.R.H. as my most illustrious patron, and
make this known to the world whenever it is in my power. In conclusion, I
entreat you again not to refuse my request about the testimonial. It will
only cost Y.R.H. a few lines, and ensure the best results for me.
I will bring the Variations[2] of Y.R.H. with me. They require little
alteration, and cannot fail to become a very pretty pleasing work for all
lovers of music. I must indeed appear a most importunate suitor. I beg you
will kindly send me the testimonial as soon as possible, for I require it.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: The Grand Mass (_Op._ 123) was published in 1827.]
[Footnote 2: The _Variations_ composed by the Archduke Rudolph, mentioned
in the letters 345 and 351, are not the same as the published ones, and are
unknown.]
346.
TO F. RIES.
Hetzendorf, July 16, 1823.
MY DEAR RIES,--
I received your letter with much pleasure the day before yesterday. The
Variations have, no doubt, arrived by this time. I could not write the
dedication to your wife, not knowing her name; so I beg you will write it
yourself on the part of your wife's friend and your own; let it be a
surprise to her, for the fair sex like that.--_Entre nous_, surprise is
always the greatest charm of the beautiful! As for the _Allegri di
Bravura_, I must make allowance for yours. To tell you the truth, I am no
great friend to that kind of thing, as it is apt to entail too much mere
mechanism; at least, such is the case with those I know. I have not yet
looked at yours, but I shall ask ---- about them. I recommend you to be
cautious in your intercourse with him. Could I not be of use to you in many
ways here? These printers, or rather _misprinters_, as they ought to be
called to deserve their names, pirate your works, and give you nothing in
return; this, surely, might be differently managed. I mean to send you some
choruses shortly, even if obliged to compose some new ones, for this is my
favorite style.
Thanks for the proceeds of the _bagatelles_, with which I am quite
satisfied. Give nothing to the King of England. Pray accept anything you
can get for the Variations. I shall be perfectly contented. I only must
stipulate to take no other reward for the dedication to your wife than the
kiss which I am to receive in London.
You name _guineas_, whereas I only get _pounds sterling_, and I hear there
is a difference between these. Do not be angry with _un pauvre musicien
autrichien_, who is still at a very low ebb. I am now writing a new violin
quartet. Might not this be offered to the musical or unmusical London
Jews?--_en vrai Juif_.
I am, with cordial regard,
Your old friend,
BEETHOVEN.
347.
TO HERR GEHEIMRATH VON KÖNNERITZ,--DRESDEN,[1]
DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL ORCHESTRA AND THEATRE IN SAXONY.
Hetzendorf, July 17, 1823.
SIR,--
I have too long deferred sending you a signed receipt and thanks, but I
feel sure you will pardon the delay from my great pressure of business,
owing to my health having improved, and God knows how long this may
continue. The description given by my dear friend Maria Weber[2] of your
generous and noble disposition encourages me to apply to you on another
subject, namely, about a Grand Mass which I am now issuing in manuscript.
Though I have met with a previous refusal on this matter [337], still, as
my esteemed Cardinal, H.R. Highness the Archduke Rudolph, has written to
H.R.H. Prince Anton, requesting him to recommend the Mass to his Majesty
the King of Saxony, I think this fresh application might at all events be
made, as I should consider it a great honor to number among my
distinguished subscribers (such as the King of Prussia, the Emperor of
Russia, the King of France, &c.) so great a connoisseur in music as the
King of Saxony.
I leave it to you, sir, to decide from this statement how and when you can
best effect my purpose. I am unable to send you to-day the application for
a subscription to my Mass to H.M. the King of Saxony, but I will do so by
the next post. In any event I feel assured that you will not think I am one
of those who compose for the sake of paltry gain; but how often do events
occur which constrain a man to act contrary to his inclinations and his
principles? My Cardinal is a benevolent Prince, but means are wanting! I
hope to receive your forgiveness for my apparent importunity. If my poor
abilities can in any way be employed in your service, what extreme pleasure
it would give me.
I am, sir, with esteem,
Your expectant
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: The director-general of the Dresden theatre at that time was
Von Könneritz, who sent Beethoven forty ducats (requesting a receipt) for
his opera of _Fidelio_, performed with great applause April 29, 1823, and
conducted by C.M. von Weber. Madame Schröder-Devrient made her _début_ in
the character of Leonore.]
[Footnote 2: In Weber's _Biography_ it is stated (Vol. II. p. 465) that
Beethoven and Weber exchanged several letters about the performance of
_Fidelio_, and in fact Weber did receive letters from Beethoven on February
16, April 10, and June 9. Unhappily, no part of this correspondence has yet
been discovered, except a fragment of the sketch of a letter written by
Weber of January 28, 1823, which sufficiently proves that Beethoven was
right in calling him his _friend_. It is as follows:--"This mighty work,
teeming with German grandeur and depth of feeling, having been given under
my direction at Prague, had enabled me to acquire the most enthusiastic and
instructive knowledge of its inner essence, by means of which I hope to
produce it before the public here with full effect, provided as I am with
all possible accessories for the purpose. Each performance will be a
festival to me, permitting me to pay that homage to your mighty spirit
which dwells in the inmost recesses of my heart, where love and admiration
strive for the mastery." On October 5 of this year, Weber visited Beethoven
in Baden, with Haslinger and Benedict.]
348.
TO HERR V. KÖNNERITZ,--DRESDEN.
Vienna, July 25, 1823.
SIR,--
Forgive my importunity in sending to your care the enclosed letter from me
to his R.H. Prince Anton of Saxony; it contains an application to his
Majesty the King of Saxony to subscribe to a mass of mine. I recently
mentioned to you that the Cardinal Archduke Rudolph had written to his M.
the King of Saxony about this Mass; I entreat you to use all your influence
in this matter, and I leave it entirely to your own judgment and knowledge
of local matters to act as you think best. Although I do not doubt that the
recommendation of my Cardinal will have considerable weight, still the
decision of his Majesty cannot fail to be much influenced by the advice of
the Administrator of objects connected with the fine arts. Hitherto, in
spite of apparent brilliant success, I have scarcely realized as much as a
publisher would have given me for the work, the expenses of copying being
so very great. It was the idea of my friends to circulate this Mass, for,
thank God! I am a mere novice in all speculations. In the mean time, there
is not a single _employé_ of our Government who has not been, like myself,
a loser. Had it not been for my continued bad health for many years past, a
foreign country would at least have enabled me to live free from all cares
except those for art. Judge me kindly, and not harshly; I live only for my
art, and my sole wish is to fulfil my duties as a man; but this, alas!
cannot always be accomplished without the influence of the _subterranean
powers_. While commending my cause to you, I also venture to hope that your
love of art, and above all your philanthropy, will induce you to be so good
as to write me a few lines, informing me of the result as soon as you are
acquainted with it.
I am, sir, with high consideration,
Your obedient
BEETHOVEN.
349.
TO SCHINDLER.
August, 1823.
YOU SAMOTHRACIAN VILLAIN!--
Make haste and come, for the weather is just right. Better early than
late--_presto, prestissimo_! We are to drive from here.[1]
[Footnote 1: Beethoven had apartments in a summer residence of Baron
Pronay's on his beautiful property at Hetzendorf. Suddenly, however, the
_maestro_, deeply immersed in the _Ninth Symphony_, was no longer satisfied
with this abode, because "the Baron would persist in making him profound
bows every time that he met him." So, with the help of Schindler and Frau
Schnaps, he removed to Baden in August, 1823.]
350.
TO HIS NEPHEW.
Baden, August 16, 1823.
MY DEAR BOY,--