of waiting on the Prince, and received from him the fullest confirmation of
this promise. H.H. likewise assured me that he entirely admitted the
propriety of my demand, and considered it quite reasonable. As I could not
remain in Prague till this affair was finally settled, H.H. was so kind as
to make me a payment of sixty ducats on account, which, according to H.H.'s
calculation, were good for 600 florins Vienna currency. The arrears were to
be paid up on my return to Vienna, and an order given to the cashier to pay
my salary in future in _Einlösung Schein_. Such was H.H.'s pleasure. My
illness increasing in Töplitz, I was obliged to remain there longer than I
originally intended. In the month of September I therefore addressed to
H.H., who was then in Vienna, through one of my friends here, Herr Oliva, a
written memorial, claiming his promise, when H.H. graciously repeated to
this friend the assurance he had already given me, adding that in the
course of a few days he would give the necessary instructions on the
subject to his cashier.
A short time afterwards he left Vienna. When I arrived there, I inquired
from the Prince's secretary whether H.H. had given directions about my
salary before leaving Vienna, when, to my surprise, I was told that H.H.
had done nothing in the matter.
My title to the liquidation of my claim is proved by the testimony of the
Herren von Varnhagen and Oliva, to whom H.H. spoke on the subject,
reiterating his consent. I feel convinced that the illustrious heirs and
family of this prince will in the same spirit of benevolence and generosity
strive to fulfil his intentions. I therefore confidently place in Y.H.'s
hands my respectful petition, viz., "to pay up the arrears of my salary in
_Einlösung Schein_, and to instruct your cashier to transmit me the amount
in future, in the same currency." Relying on your sense of justice
according me a favorable decision, I remain Y.H.'s
Most obedient servant,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Prince Josef Ferdinand Kinsky, born December, 1781, and killed
by a fall from his horse, November 3, 1812.]
95.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1813.[1]
I have been far from well since last Sunday, but have suffered more in mind
than in body. I beg your forgiveness a thousand times for not having sooner
sent my apologies; each day I had the strongest inclination to wait on you,
but Heaven knows that in spite of the best will that I always entertain for
the best of masters I was unable to do so, distressing as it is to me not
to have it in my power to sacrifice all to him for whom I cherish the
highest esteem, love, and veneration. Y.R.H. would perhaps act wisely in
making a pause at present with the Lobkowitz concerts; even the most
brilliant talent may lose its effect by too great familiarity.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: Prince Franz Josef Lobkowitz died December 25th, 1816. His
musical meetings were certainly continued till 1813, or longer.]
96.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1813.[1]
At early dawn to-morrow the copyist shall begin the last movement. As I am
in the mean time writing several other works, I did not hurry myself much
with this last movement merely for the sake of punctuality, especially as I
must write this more deliberately, with a view to Rode's[2] playing; we
like quick, full-toned passages in our _Finales_, which do not suit R., and
this rather cramps me. At all events, all is sure to go well next Tuesday.
I very much doubt whether I shall be able to present myself at Y.R.H.'s on
that evening, in spite of my zeal in your service; but to make up for this,
I mean to come to you to-morrow forenoon and to-morrow afternoon, that I
may entirely fulfil the wishes of my illustrious pupil.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: 1813. January-February.]
[Footnote 2: Pierre Rode, the violinist, arrived in Vienna in January,
1813, and gave a concert in the Redoutensaal on February 6th, but did not
give universal satisfaction (_A.M.Z._, 1813, p. 114), and a second concert
that he had projected does not appear to have taken place. He played in
Gratz on February 20th and 27th. It seems that Rode was to play with
Beethoven at the Archduke Rudolph's, for which occasion Beethoven prepared
a composition for them both. Was this the Sonata for pianoforte and violin,
Op. 36, which he afterwards dedicated to the Archduke? Thayer states that
it was written by Beethoven in 1810, and sold to the music-publisher
Steiner in Vienna in April, 1815. No other composition for the violin and
pianoforte is so likely to be the one as this. It is, however, a mistake in
the _Bibliothèque Universelle_, tome xxxvi. p. 210, to state that Beethoven
during Rode's stay in Vienna composed the "délicieuse Romance" which was
played with so much expression by De Baillot on the violin. There are only
two Romances known for the violin by Beethoven, the one in G major, Op. 40,
in the year 1803, and the second in F major, Op. 50, published in 1805.
(Thayer, 102 and 104.)]
97.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1813.
I had just gone out yesterday when your gracious letter reached me. As for
my health, it is pretty much the same, particularly as moral causes affect
it, which do not seem likely to be removed; particularly as I can have
recourse to no one but myself for aid, and can find help in my own head
alone; and more particularly still, because in these days neither words,
nor honor, nor written pledges, seem binding on any one. As for my
occupations, I have come to an end with some of them, and, even without
your gracious invitation, I intended to appear at the usual hour to-day.
With regard to Rode [see No. 96], I beg Y.R.H. to be so good as to let me
have the part by the bearer of this, and I will send it to him at once,
with a polite note from me. _He certainly will not take amiss my sending
him the part. Oh! certainly not! Would to Heaven that I were obliged to ask
his forgiveness on this account! for in that case things would really be in
a better position._ Is it your pleasure that I should come to you this
evening at five o'clock as usual, or does Y.R.H. desire another hour? I
shall endeavor to arrange accordingly, and punctually to fulfil your
wishes.
[K.]
98.
TO PRINCESS KINSKY.
Vienna, Feb. 12, 1813.
YOUR HIGHNESS!--
You were so gracious as to declare with regard to the salary settled on me
by your deceased husband, that you saw the propriety of my receiving it in
Vienna currency, but that the authority of the court of law which has
assumed the guardianship of the estate must first be obtained. Under the
conviction that the authorities who represent their princely wards could
not fail to be influenced by the same motives that actuated the late Prince
in his conduct towards me, I think I am justified in expecting the
ratification of my claim from the aforesaid court, as I can prove, by the
testimony of well-known, respectable, and upright men, the promise and
intentions of H.H. in my behalf, which cannot fail to be binding on his
heirs and children. If, therefore, the proofs submitted should even be
found deficient in legal formality, I cannot doubt that this want will be
supplied by the noble mode of thinking of this illustrious house, and by
their own inclination to generous actions.
Possibly another question may at present arise from the condition of the
inheritance, which is no doubt heavily burdened, both owing to the
melancholy and sudden death of the late Prince, and by the state of the
times, which renders it equally just and indispensable to husband carefully
all possible resources. On this account it is far from my wish to claim
more than is absolutely necessary for my own livelihood, and grounded on
the contract itself,--the legality of such a claim on the heirs of the late
Prince not being in any way disputed.
I beg, then, that Y.H. will be pleased to direct the arrears of my salary,
due since the 1st September, 1811, calculated in Vienna currency, in
accordance with the scale of the contract, making in W.W. 1088 florins 42
kreuzers, to be paid, and _in the interim_, the question whether this
salary ought to be paid in Vienna currency can be deferred until the
affairs are settled, when the subject is again brought before the trustees,
and my claims admitted to be just by their consent and authority. The late
Prince having given me sixty ducats merely on account of my salary, which
was to be paid by agreement in Vienna currency, and as this agreement (as
every intelligent man will inform Y.H.) must be accepted to its full
extent, or at all events not cause me loss, it follows as a matter of
course that Y.H. will not object to my considering the sixty ducats as only
an instalment of the arrears due to me beyond the usual scale of payment,
agreed to be paid in Vienna currency, so that the amount must not be
deducted from the sum still due to me.
I feel sure that Y.H.'s noble feelings will do justice to the equity of my
proposal, and my wish to enter into every detail of this affair, so far as
circumstances permit, and also my readiness to postpone my claims to suit
your convenience. The same elevated sentiments which prompted you to fulfil
the engagement entered into by the late Prince, will also make Y.H.
apprehend the absolute necessity entailed on me by my position again to
solicit immediate payment of the arrears of my salary, which are
indispensable for my maintenance.
Anxiously hoping for a favorable answer to my petition, I have the honor to
remain, with profound respect,
Y.R.H.'s obedient servant,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
99.
TO PRINCESS KINSKY.
HIGHLY HONORED PRINCESS!--
As the Prince's counsel declared that my claim could not be heard till the
choice of a guardian had been made, and as I now hear that Y.H. has been
graciously pleased yourself to assume that office, but decline receiving
any one, I present my humble petition in writing, requesting at the same
time your early consideration; for you can easily understand that, relying
on a thing as a certainty, it is painful to be so long deprived of it,
especially as I am obliged entirely to support an unfortunate sickly
brother and his whole family,[1] which (not computing my own wants) has
entirely exhausted my resources, having expected to provide for myself by
the payment of my salary. You may perceive the justice of my claims from
the fact of my faithfully naming the receipt of the sixty ducats, advanced
to me by the late Prince in Prague, the Prince's counsel himself declaring
that I might have said nothing about this sum, the late Prince not having
mentioned it either to him or to his cashier.
Forgive my being obliged to intrude this affair on you, but necessity
compels me to do so. Some days hence I shall take the liberty of making
inquiries on the subject from the Prince's counsel, or from any one Y.H.
may appoint.
I remain, most esteemed and illustrious Princess,
Your devoted servant,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: See a letter to Ries, Nov. 22d, 1815:--"He was consumptive for
some years, and, in order to make his life easier, I can safely compute
what I gave him at 10,000 florins W.W."]
100.
TO ZMESKALL.
DEAR Z.,--
Forward the accompanying letter to-day without fail to Brunswick, that it
may arrive as soon and as safely as possible. Excuse the trouble I give
you. I have been again applied to, to send some of my works to Gratz, in
Styria, for a concert to be given in aid of the Ursuline convent and its
schools: last year they had very large receipts by this means. Including
this concert, and one I gave in Carlsbad for the benefit of the sufferers
from fire at Baden, three concerts have been given by me, and through me,
for benevolent purposes in one year; and yet if I ask a favor, people are
as deaf as a post. Your
BEETHOVEN.
I. Letter to Sclowonowitsch (Maître des bureaux des postes) in Cassel. I
can no longer do without the books of Tiedge and Frau von der Recke, as I
am expected to give some opinion about them.
101.
TO HERR JOSEPH VARENNA,--GRATZ.
MY GOOD SIR,--
Rode was not quite correct in all that he said of me; my health is not
particularly good, and from no fault of my own,--my present condition being
the most unfortunate of my life. But neither this nor anything in the world
shall prevent me from assisting, so far as it lies in my power, the
innocent and distressed ladies of your convent by my poor works. I
therefore place at your disposal two new symphonies, a bass aria with
chorus, and several minor choruses; if you desire again to perform
"Hungaria's Benefactors," which you gave last year, it is also at your
service. Among the choruses you will find a "Dervise Chorus," a capital
bait for a mixed public.
In my opinion, your best plan would be to select a day when you could give
the "Mount of Olives," which has been everywhere performed. This would
occupy one half of the concert, and the other half might consist of a new
symphony, the overtures, and various choruses, and likewise the above-named
bass aria and chorus; thus the evening would not be devoid of variety. But
you can settle all this more satisfactorily with the aid of your own
musical authorities. I think I can guess what you mean about a gratuity for
me from a _third person_. Were I in the same position as formerly, I would
at once say, "Beethoven never accepts anything _where the benefit of
humanity is concerned_;" but owing to my own too great benevolence I am
reduced to a low ebb, the cause of which, however, does not put me to
shame, being combined with other circumstances for which men devoid of
honor and principle are alone to blame; so I do not hesitate to say that I
would not refuse the contribution of the rich man to whom you allude.[1]
But there is no question here of any _claim_. If, however, the affair with
the _third person_ comes to nothing, pray rest assured that I shall be
equally disposed to confer the same benefit as last year on my friends the
respected Ursuline ladies, and shall at all times be ready to succor the
poor and needy so long as I live. And now farewell! Write soon, and I will
zealously strive to make all necessary arrangements. My best wishes for the
convent.
I am, with esteem, your friend,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Reichardt, on the 1st March, 1809, writes in his _Vertraute
Briefe_,--"Beethoven, by 'a rich third person,' as the following letter
proves, meant Louis Bonaparte, who, after abdicating the Dutch throne,
lived in Gratz."]
102.
TO VARENNA.
MY EXCELLENT V. [VARENNA],--
I received your letter with much pleasure, but with much displeasure the
100 florins allotted to me by our poor convent ladies; in the mean time I
will apply part of this sum to pay the copyists--the surplus and the
accounts for copying shall be sent to these good ladies.
I never accept anything for such a purpose. I thought that perhaps the
_third person_ to whom you alluded might be the Ex-King of Holland, in
which case I should have had no scruples, under my present circumstances,
in accepting a gratuity from him, who has no doubt taken enough from the
Dutch in a less legitimate way; but as it is, I must decline (though in all
friendship) any renewal of this subject.
Let me know whether, were I to come myself to Gratz, I could give a
concert, and what the receipts would probably be; for Vienna, alas! can no
longer continue my place of abode. Perhaps it is now too late? but any
information from you on the point will be very welcome.
The works are being copied, and you shall have them as soon as possible.
You may do just what you please with the Oratorio; where it will be of most
use it will best fulfil my intentions.
I am, with esteem, your obedient
BEETHOVEN.
P.S. Say all that is kind from me to the worthy Ursuline ladies. I rejoice
in being able to serve them.
103.
TO ZMESKALL.
Confounded, invited guest! _Domanowetz!_--not musical Count, but gobbling
Count! dinner Count! supper Count! &c., &c. The Quartet is to be tried over
to-day at ten o'clock or half-past, at Lobkowitz's.[1] His Highness, whose
wits are generally astray, is not yet arrived; so pray join us, if you can
escape from your Chancery jailer. Herzog is to see you to-day. He intends
to take the post of my man-servant; you may agree to give him thirty
florins, with his wife _obbligata_. Firing, light, and morning livery
found. I must have some one who knows how to cook, for if my food continues
as bad as it now is, I shall always be ill. I dine at home to-day, because
I get better wine. If you will only order what you like, I very much wish
you to come to me. You shall have the wine _gratis_, and of far better
quality than what you get at the scoundrelly "Swan."
Your very insignificant
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Reichardt, in his _Vertraute Briefe_, writes: "The beautiful
quartets and evening concerts for the Archduke Rudolph still continue at
Prince von Lobkowitz's, although the Prince himself is about to join his
battalion in Bohemia." Reichardt, Vol. I. p. 182, calls Lobkowitz "an
indefatigable, insatiable, genuine enthusiast for art."]
104.
TO ZMESKALL.
Feb. 25, 1813.
I have been constantly indisposed, dear Zmeskall, since I last saw you; in
the mean time the servant who lived with you before your present one has
applied for my situation. I do not recollect him, but he told me he had
been with you, and that you had nothing to say against him, except that he
did not dress your hair as you wished. I gave him earnest-money, though
only a florin. Supposing you have no other fault to find with the man (and
if so I beg you will candidly mention it), I intend to engage him, for you
know that it is no object with me to have my hair dressed; it would be more
to the purpose if my finances could be dressed, or _re-dressed_. I hope to
get an answer from you to day. If there is no one to open the door to your
servant, let him leave the note in the entrance to the left, and should he
find no one there either, he must give it to the porter's wife below
stairs. May Heaven prosper you in your musical undertakings! Your
BEETHOVEN,
_Miserabilis._
105.
TO ZMESKALL.
Feb. 28, 1813.
Let us leave things as they are for to-day, dear Z., till we meet [and so
on about the servant].
Farewell! Carefully guard the fortresses of the realm, which, as you know,
are no longer virgins, and have already received many a shot.
Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.
106.
TO ZMESKALL.
MOST WORTHY COUNSELLOR, OWNER OF MINES AND LORD OF FASTNESSES IN BURGUNDY
AND BUDA!--
Be so good as to let me know how matters stand, as this afternoon at latest
I shall take advantage of your reply to my question, by giving my servant
warning for this day fortnight. His wages, &c., &c. [The rest relates to
his servant.]
107.
TO ZMESKALL.
April 19, 1813.
MY DEAR ZMESKALL,--
I have been refused the University Hall. I heard this two days since; but
being indisposed yesterday I could not go to see you, nor can I to-day
either. We have no resource now but the Kärnthnerthor Theatre, or the one
"an der Wien." I believe there will only be one concert. If both these
fail, we must then have recourse to the Augarten, in which case we ought
certainly to give two concerts. Reflect on this, my dear friend, and let me
have your opinion. To-morrow the symphonies may perhaps be tried over at
the Archduke's if I am able to go out, of which I will apprise you.
Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.
108.
TO ZMESKALL.
April 23, 1813.
DEAR Z.,--
All will go right, the Archduke being resolved to take this Prince
_Fizlypuzly_ roundly to task. Let me know if you are to dine at the tavern
to-day, or where? Pray tell me if "Sentivany" is properly spelt, as I wish
to write to him at the same time about the Chorus. We must also consult
together what day to choose. By the by, be cautious not to mention the
intercession of the Archduke, for Prince _Fizlypuzly_ is not to be with him
till Sunday, and if that evil-minded creditor had any previous hint of the
affair, he would still try to evade us.
Yours ever,
BEETHOVEN.
109.
TO ZMESKALL.
April 26, 1813.
Lobkowitz will give me a day on the 15th of May, or after that period,
which seems to me scarcely better than none at all; so I am almost disposed
to give up all idea of a concert. But the Almighty will no doubt prevent my
being utterly ruined.
Yours,
BEETHOVEN.
110.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Baden, May 27, 1813.
I have the honor to inform you of my arrival in Baden, which is indeed
still very empty of human beings, but with all the greater luxuriance and
full lustre does Nature shine in her enchanting loveliness. Where I fail,
or ever have failed, be graciously indulgent towards me, for so many trying
occurrences, succeeding each other so closely, have really almost
bewildered me; still I am convinced that the resplendent beauties of Nature
here, and the charming environs, will gradually restore my spirits, and a
double share of tranquillity be my portion, as by my stay here I likewise
fulfil the wishes of Y.R.H. Would that my desire soon to hear that Y.R.H.
is fully restored were equally fulfilled! This is indeed my warmest wish,
and how much I grieve that I cannot at this moment contribute to your
recovery by means of _my_ art! This is reserved for the goddess Hygeia
alone, and I, alas! am only a poor mortal, who commends himself to Y.R.H.,
and sincerely hopes soon to be permitted to wait on you.
[K.]
111.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Vienna, July 24, 1813.
From day to day I have been expecting to return to Baden; in the mean time,
the discords that detain me here may possibly be resolved by the end of the
ensuing week. To me a residence in a town during the summer is misery, and
when I also remember that I am thus prevented waiting on Y.R.H., it is
still more vexatious and annoying. It is, in fact, the Lobkowitz and Kinsky
affairs that keep me here. Instead of pondering over a number of bars, I am
obliged constantly to reflect on the number of peregrinations I am forced
to make; but for this, I could scarcely endure to the end. Y.R.H. has no
doubt heard of Lobkowitz's misfortunes,[1] which are much to be regretted;
but after all, to be rich is no such great happiness! It is said that Count
Fries alone paid 1900 gold ducats to Duport, for which he had the security
of the ancient Lobkowitz house. The details are beyond all belief. I hear
that Count Rasumowsky[2] intends to go to Baden, and to take his Quartet
with him, which is really very pretty, and I have no doubt that Y.R.H. will
be much pleased with it. I know no more charming enjoyment in the country
than quartet music. I beg Y.R.H. will accept my heartfelt wishes for your
health, and also compassionate me for being obliged to pass my time here
under such disagreeable circumstances. But I will strive to compensate
twofold in Baden for what you have lost.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: Prince Lobkowitz's "misfortunes" probably refer to the great
pecuniary difficulties which befell this music and pomp loving Prince
several years before his death. Beethoven seems to have made various
attempts to induce the Prince to continue the payment of his share of the
salary agreed on, though these efforts were long fruitless. The subject,
however, appears to have been again renewed in 1816, for on the 8th of
March in this year Beethoven writes to Ries to say that his salary consists
of 3400 florins E.S., and this sum he received till his death.]
[Footnote 2: Those who played in Count Rasumowsky's Quartets, to whom
Beethoven dedicated various compositions, were the _virtuosi_ Schuppanzigh
(1st), Sina (2d violin), Linke (violoncello), Weiss (violin).]
112.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1813.[1]
I beg to inquire whether, being in some degree restored, I am to wait on
you this evening? I at the same time take the liberty to make a humble
request. I was in hopes that by this time, at all events, my melancholy
circumstances would have brightened, but all continues in its old state, so
I must determine on giving two concerts.[2] I find that I am compelled to
give up my former resolution never to give any except for benevolent
purposes; as self-maintenance demands that I should do so. The hall of the
University would be the most advantageous and distinguished for my present
object, and my humble request consists in entreating Y.R.H. to be so
gracious as to send a line to the present _Rector Magnificus_ of the
University, through Baron Schweiger, which would certainly ensure my
getting the hall. In the hope of a favorable answer, I remain, &c., &c.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: Late in the autumn of 1813.]
[Footnote 2: The concerts here referred to were given in the University
Hall on the 8th and 12th December, 1813, when the _Battle of Vittoria_ and
the A major Symphony were performed for the first time. Beethoven himself
conducted.]
113.
TO FREIHERR JOSEF VON SCHWEIGER.
Late in the Autumn of 1813.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--