that Y.R.H. is now here. I therefore send the dedication of the Trio [in B
flat] to Y.R.H., whose name is inscribed on it; but all my works on which I
place any value, though the name does not appear, are equally designed for
Y.R.H. I trust, however, that you will not think I have a motive in saying
this,--men of high rank being apt to suspect self-interest in such
expressions,--and I mean on this occasion to risk the imputation so far as
_appearances_ go, by at once asking a favor of Y.R.H. My well-grounded
reasons for so doing you will no doubt at once perceive, and graciously
vouchsafe to grant my request. I have been very much indisposed in Baden
since the beginning of last October; indeed, from the 5th of October I have
been entirely confined to my bed, or to my room, till about a week ago. I
had a very serious inflammatory cold, and am still able to go out very
little, which has also been the cause of my not writing to Y.R.H. in
Kremsir. May all the blessings that Heaven can shower upon earth attend
you.
[K.]
SECOND PART.
LIFE'S MISSION.
1815 TO 1822.
PART II.
147.
WRITTEN IN SPOHR'S ALBUM.[1]
Vienna, March 3, 1815.
[Music: Treble clef, F Major, 3/4 time.
Kurz, kurz, kurz, kurz ist der Schmerz, der Schmerz,
e-wig, e-wig ist die Freu-de, ist die Freu-de,
ja die Freu-de, e-wig ist die Freu-de.
Kurz, kurz, kurz, kurz ist der Schmerz, der Schmerz, der Schmerz,
e-wig, e-wig ist die Freu-de, ist die Freu-de,
e-wig ist die Freude, e-wig, e-wig ist die Freu-de.
Kurz, kurz, kurz, kurz ist der Schmerz, der Schmerz, der Schmerz,
e-wig, e-wig ist die Freude, e-wig ist die Freu-de.]
Whenever, dear Spohr, you chance to find true art and true artists, may you
kindly remember
Your friend,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: From the fac-simile in Spohr's _Autobiography_, Vol. I.]
148.
TO HERR KAUKA.
Vienna, April 8, 1815.
It seems scarcely admissible to be on the friendly terms on which I
consider myself with you, and yet to be on such unfriendly ones that we
should live close to each other and never meet!!!!![1] You write "_tout à
vous_." Oh! you humbug! said I. No! no! it is really too bad. I should like
to thank you 9000 times for all your efforts on my behalf, and to reproach
you 20,000 that you came and went as you did. So all is a delusion!
friendship, kingdom, empire; all is only a vapor which every breeze wafts
into a different form!! Perhaps I may go to Töplitz, but it is not certain.
I might take advantage of that opportunity to let the people of Prague hear
something--what think you? if _indeed you still think of me at all_! As the
affair with Lobkowitz is now also come to a close, we may write _Finis_,
though it far from _fine is_ for me.
Baron Pasqualati will no doubt soon call on you again; he also has taken
much trouble on my account. Yes, indeed! it is easy to talk of _justice_,
but to obtain it from others is _no easy matter_. In what way can I be of
service to you in my own art? Say whether you prefer my celebrating the
monologue of a fugitive king, or the perjury of a usurper--or the true
friends, who, though near neighbors, never saw each other? In the hope of
soon hearing from you--for being now so far asunder it is easier to hold
intercourse than when nearer!--I remain, with highest esteem,
Your ever-devoted friend,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: Kauka evidently had been recently in Vienna without visiting
Beethoven.]
149.
TO HERR KAUKA.
1815.
MY DEAR AND WORTHY K.,--
I have just received from the Syndic Baier in R. the good news that you
told him yourself about Prince F.K. As for the rest, you shall be perfectly
satisfied.
I take the liberty to ask you again to look after my interests with the
Kinsky family, and I subjoin the necessary receipt for this purpose [see
No. 144]. Perhaps some other way may be found, though it does not as yet
occur to me, by means of which I need not importune you in future. On the
15th October [1815] I was attacked by an inflammatory cold, from the
consequences of which I still suffer, and my art likewise; but it is to be
hoped that I shall now gradually recover, and at all events be able once
more to display the riches of my little realm of sweet sounds. Yet I am
very poor in all else--owing to the times? to poverty of spirit? or
what???? Farewell! Everything around disposes us to _profound silence_; but
this shall not be the case as to the bond of friendship and soul that
unites us. I loudly proclaim myself, now as ever,
Your loving friend and admirer,
BEETHOVEN.
150.
TO HERR KAUKA.
1815.
MY MOST WORTHY FRIEND,--
My second letter follows that of yesterday, May 2d. Pasqualati tells me
to-day, after the lapse of a month and six days, that the house of
Ballabene is too _high and mighty_ to assist me in this matter. I must
therefore appeal to your _insignificance_ (as I myself do not hesitate to
be so mean as to serve other people). My house-rent amounts to 550 florins,
and must be paid out of the sum in question.
As soon as the newly engraved pianoforte pieces appear, you shall receive
copies, and also of the "Battle," &c., &c. Forgive me, forgive me, my
generous friend; some other means must be found to forward this affair with
due promptitude.
In haste, your friend and admirer,
BEETHOVEN.
151.
TO MR. SALOMON,--LONDON.[1]
Vienna, June 1, 1815.
MY GOOD FELLOW-COUNTRYMAN,--
I always hoped to meet you one day in London, but many obstacles have
intervened to prevent the fulfilment of this wish, and as there seems now
no chance of such a thing, I hope you will not refuse a request of mine,
which is that you will be so obliging as to apply to some London publisher,
and offer him the following works of mine. Grand Trio for piano, violin,
and violoncello [Op. 97], 80 ducats. Pianoforte Sonata, with violin
accompaniment [Op. 96], 60 ducats. Grand Symphony in A (one of my very
best); a short Symphony in F [the 8th]; Quartet for two violins, viola, and
violoncello in F minor [Op. 95]; Grand Opera in score, 30 ducats. Cantata
with Choruses and Solos ["The Glorious Moment"], 30 ducats. Score of the
"Battle of Vittoria" and "Wellington's Victory," 80 ducats; also the
pianoforte arrangement of the same, if not already published, which, I am
told here, is the case. I have named the prices of some of these works, on
a scale which I hold to be suitable for England, but I leave it to you to
say what sum should be asked both for these and the others. I hear, indeed,
that Cramer [John, whose pianoforte-playing was highly estimated by
Beethoven] is also a publisher, but my scholar Ries lately wrote to me that
Cramer not long since _publicly expressed his disapproval of my works_: I
trust from no motive but that of _being of service to art_, and if so I
have no right to object to his doing this. If, however, Cramer should wish
to possess any of my _pernicious_ works, I shall be as well satisfied with
him as with any other publisher; but I reserve the right to give these
works to be published here, so that they may appear at the same moment in
London and Vienna.
Perhaps you may also be able to point out to me in what way I can recover
from the Prince Regent [afterwards George IV.] the expenses of transcribing
the "Battle Symphony" on Wellington's victory at Vittoria, to be dedicated
to him, for I have long ago given up all hope of receiving anything from
that quarter. I have not even been deemed worthy of an answer, whether I am
to be authorized to dedicate the work to the Prince Regent; and when at
last I propose to publish it here, I am informed that it has already
appeared in London. What a fatality for an author!!! While the English and
German papers are filled with accounts of the success of the work, as
performed at Drury Lane, and that theatre drawing great receipts from it,
the author has not one friendly line to show, not even payment for the cost
of copying the work, and is thus deprived of all profit.[2] For if it be
true that the pianoforte arrangement is soon to be published by a German
publisher, copied from the London one, then I lose both my fame and my
_honorarium_. The well-known generosity of your character leads me to hope
that you will take some interest in the matter, and actively exert yourself
on my behalf.
The inferior paper-money of this country is now reduced to one fifth of its
value, and I am paid according to this scale. After many struggles and
considerable loss, I at length succeeded in obtaining the full value; but
at this moment the old paper-money has again risen far beyond the fifth
part, so that it is evident my salary becomes for the second time almost
_nil_, and there is no hope of any compensation. My whole income is derived
from my works. If I could rely on a good sale in England, it would
doubtless be very beneficial to me. Pray be assured of my boundless
gratitude. I hope soon, very soon, to hear from you.
I am, with esteem, your sincere friend,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: J.P. Salomon was likewise a native of Bonn, and one of the
most distinguished violin-players of his time. He had been Kapellmeister to
Prince Heinrich of Prussia, and then went to London, where he was very
active in the introduction of German music. It was through his agency that
Beethoven's connection with Birchall, the music publisher, first commenced,
to whom a number of his letters are addressed.]
[Footnote 2: Undoubtedly the true reading of these last words, which in the
copy before me are marked as "difficult to decipher."]
152.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1815.
Pray forgive my asking Y.R.H. to send me the two Sonatas with violin
_obbligato_[1] which I caused to be transcribed for Y.R.H. I require them
only for a few days, when I will immediately return them.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: If by the two Sonatas for the pianoforte with violoncello
_obbligato_, Op. 102 is meant, they were composed in July-August, 1815, and
appeared on Jan. 13th, 1819. The date of the letter appears also to be
1815.]
153.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1815.
I beg you will kindly send me the Sonata in E minor,[1] as I wish to
correct it. On Monday I shall inquire for Y.R.H. in person. _Recent
occurrences_[2] render it indispensable to complete many works of mine
about to be engraved as quickly as possible; besides, my health is only
partially restored. I earnestly entreat Y.R.H. to desire _some one_ to
write me a few lines as to the state of your own health. I trust I shall
hear a better--nay, the best report of it.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: The letters 152 and 153 speak sometimes expressly of the
pianoforte Sonata in E minor, Op. 90, these being engraved or under
revision, and sometimes only indicate them. This Sonata, dedicated to Count
Lichnowsky, was composed on August 14th, 1814, and published in June,
1815.]
[Footnote 2: What "recent occurrences" Beethoven alludes to, unless indeed
his well-known misfortunes as to his salary and guardianship we cannot
discover.]
154.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1815.
You must almost think my illness a mere fiction, but that is assuredly not
the case. I am obliged always to come home early in the evening. The first
time that Y.R.H. was graciously pleased to send for me, I came home
immediately afterwards, but feeling much better since then, I made an
attempt the evening before last to stay out a little later. If Y.R.H. does
not countermand me, I intend to have the honor of waiting on you this
evening at five o'clock. I will bring the new Sonata with me, merely for
to-day, for it is so soon to be engraved that it is not worth while to have
it written out.
[K.]
155.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1815.
I intended to have given you this letter myself, but my personal attendance
might possibly be an intrusion; so I take the liberty once more to urge on
Y.R.H. the request it contains. I should also be glad if Y.R.H. would send
me back my last MS. Sonata, for as I _must_ publish it, it would be labor
lost to have it transcribed, and I shall soon have the pleasure of
presenting it to you engraved. I will call again in a few days. I trust
these joyous times may have a happy influence on your precious health.
[K.]
156.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Vienna, July 23, 1815.
When you were recently in town, the enclosed Chorus[1] occurred to me. I
hurried home to write it down, but was detained longer in doing so than I
at first expected, and thus, to my great sorrow, I missed Y.R.H. The bad
custom I have followed from childhood, instantly to write down my first
thoughts, otherwise they not unfrequently go astray, has been an injury to
me on this occasion. I therefore send Y.R.H. my impeachment and my
justification, and trust I may find grace in your eyes. I hope soon to
present myself before Y.R.H., and to inquire after a health so precious to
us all.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: In 1815 the Chorus of _Die Meeresstille_ was composed by
Beethoven. Was this the chorus which occurred to him? The style of the
letter leaves his meaning quite obscure.]
157.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
1815.
It is neither presumption, nor the pretension of advocating any one's
cause, still less from the wish of arrogating to myself the enjoyment of
any especial favor with Y.R.H., that induces me to make a suggestion which
is in itself very simple. Old Kraft[1] was with me yesterday; he wished to
know if it were possible for him to be lodged in your palace, in return for
which he would be at Y.R.H.'s service as often as you please it. He has
lived for twenty years in the house of Prince Lobkowitz, and during a great
part of that time he received no salary; he is now obliged to vacate his
rooms without receiving any compensation whatever. The position of the poor
deserving old man is hard, and I should have considered myself equally
hard, had I not ventured to lay his case before you. Count Troyer will
request an answer from Y.R.H. As the object in view is to brighten the lot
of a fellow-creature, pray forgive your, &c., &c.
[K.]
[Footnote 1: Old Kraft was a clever violoncello-player who had an
appointment in Prince Lobkowitz's band, but when the financial crisis
occurred in the Prince's affairs he lost his situation, and was obliged to
give up his lodging.]
158.
WRITTEN IN ENGLISH TO MR. BIRCHALL, MUSIC PUBLISHER, LONDON.
Mr. Beethoven send word to Mr. Birchall that it is severall days past that
he has sent for London Wellington's Battel Sinphonie and that Mr.
B[irchall] may send for it at Thomas Coutts. Mr. Beethoven wish Mr. B.
would make ingrave the sayd Sinphonie so soon as possible and send him word
in time the day it will be published that he may prevend in time the
Publisher in Vienna.
In regard the 3. Sonata which Mr. Birchall receive afterwerths there is not
wanted such a g't hurry and Mr. B. will take the liberty to fixe the day
when the are to be published.
Mr. B[irchall] sayd that Mr. Salomon has a good many tings to say
concerning the Synphonie in G [? A].
Mr. B[eethoven] wish for a answer so soon as possible concerning the days
of the publication.
159.
TO ZMESKALL.
October 16, 1815.
I only wish to let you know that I am _here_, and not _elsewhere_, and wish
in return to hear if you are _elsewhere_ or _here_. I should be glad to
speak to you for a few minutes when I know that you are at home and alone.
_Farewell_--but not _too well_--sublime Commandant Pacha of various
mouldering fortresses!!!
In haste, your friend,
BEETHOVEN.
160.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.
Nov. 16, 1815.
Since yesterday afternoon I have been lying in a state of exhaustion, owing
to my great distress of mind caused by the sudden death of my unhappy
brother. It was impossible for me to send an answer to Y.R.H. yesterday,
and I trust you will graciously receive my present explanation. I expect,
however, certainly to wait on Y.R.H. to-morrow.
[K.]
161.
TO THE MESSRS. BIRCHALL,--LONDON.
Vienna, Nov. 22, 1815.
You will herewith receive the pianoforte arrangement of the Symphony in A.
"Wellington's Battle Symphony," and "Victory at Vittoria" were sent a month
since, through Herr Neumann, to the care of Messrs. Coutts; so you have no
doubt received them long ere this.
In the course of a fortnight you shall have the Trio and Sonata, when you
are requested to pay into the hands of Messrs. Coutts the sum of 130 gold
ducats. I beg you will make no delay in bringing out these works, and
likewise let me know on what day the "Wellington Symphony" is to appear, so
that I may take my measures here accordingly. I am, with esteem,
Your obedient
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
162.
TO RIES.
Vienna, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 1815.
MY DEAR RIES,--
I hasten to apprise you that I have to-day forwarded by post the pianoforte
arrangement of the Symphony in A, to the care of Messrs Coutts. As the
Court is absent, few, indeed almost no couriers go from here; moreover, the
post is the safest way. The Symphony ought to be brought out about March;
the precise day I will fix myself. So much time has already been lost on
this occasion that I could not give an earlier notice of the period of
publication. The Trio in [??] and the violin Sonata may be allowed more
time, and both will be in London a few weeks hence. I earnestly entreat
you, dear Ries, to take charge of these matters, and also to see that I get
the money; I require it, and it costs me a good deal before all is sent
off.
I have lost 600 florins of my yearly salary; at the time of the
_bank-notes_ there was no loss, but then came the _Einlösungsscheine_
[reduced paper-money], which deprives me of these 600 florins, after
entailing on me several years of annoyance, and now the total loss of my
salary. We are at present arrived at a point when the _Einlösungsscheine_
are even lower than the _bank-notes_ ever were. I pay 1000 florins for
house-rent: you may thus conceive all the misery caused by paper-money.
My poor unhappy brother [Carl v. Beethoven, a cashier in Vienna] is just
dead [Nov. 15th, 1815]; he had a bad wife. For some years past he has been
suffering from consumption, and from my wish to make his life less irksome
I may compute what I gave him at 10,000 florins (_Wiener Währung_). This
indeed does not seem much to an Englishman, but it is a great deal for a
poor German, or rather Austrian. The unhappy man was latterly much changed,
and I must say I lament him from my heart, though I rejoice to think I left
nothing undone that could contribute to his comfort.
Tell Mr. Birchall that he is to repay the postage of my letters to you and
Mr. Salomon, and also yours to me; he may deduct this from the sum he owes
me; I am anxious that those who work for me should lose as little as
possible by it. "Wellington's Victory at Vittoria"[1] must have arrived
long ago through the Messrs. Coutts. Mr. Birchall need not send payment
till he is in possession of all the works; only do not delay letting me
know when the day is fixed for the publication of the pianoforte
arrangement. For to-day, I only further earnestly recommend my affairs to
your care; I shall be equally at your service at any time. Farewell, dear
Ries.
Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: "This is also to be the title of the pianoforte arrangement."
(Note by Beethoven.)]
163.
TO ZMESKALL.
Jan. 1816.
MY GOOD ZMESKALL,--
I was shocked to discover to-day that I had omitted replying to a proposal
from the "Society of Friends to Music in the Austrian States" to write an
Oratorio for them.
The death of my brother two months ago, which, owing to the guardianship of
my nephew having devolved on me, has involved me in all sorts of annoyances
and perplexities, has caused this delay in my answer. In the mean time, the
poem of Herr van Seyfried is already begun, and I purpose shortly to set it
to music. I need not tell you how very flattering I consider such a
commission, for how could I think otherwise? and I shall endeavor to acquit
myself as honorably as my poor talents will admit of.
_With regard to our artistic resources_, when the time for the performance
arrives I shall certainly take into consideration those usually at our
disposal, without, however, strictly limiting myself to them. I hope I have
made myself clearly understood on this point. As I am urged to say what
gratuity I require in return, I beg to know whether the Society will
consider 400 gold ducats a proper remuneration for such a work? I once more
entreat the forgiveness of the Society for the delay in my answer, but I am
in some degree relieved by knowing that, at all events, you, my dear
friend, have already verbally apprised the Society of my readiness to write
a work of the kind.[1]
Ever, my worthy Z., your
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: In the _Fischof'sche Handschrift_ we are told:--"The allusion
to 'our artistic resources' requires some explanation. Herr v. Zmeskall had
at that time received instructions to give a hint to the great composer
(who paid little regard to the difficulty of executing his works) that he
must absolutely take into consideration the size of the orchestra, which at
grand concerts amounted to 700 performers. The Society only stipulated for
the exclusive right to the work for one year, and did not purchase the
copyright; they undertook the gratuity for the poem also, so they were
obliged to consult their pecuniary resources, and informed the composer
that they were prepared to give him 200 gold ducats for the use of the work
for a year, as they had proposed. Beethoven was quite satisfied, and made
no objection whatever; he received an advance on this sum according to his
own wish, the receipt of which he acknowledged in 1819. Beethoven rejected
the first poem selected, and desired to have another. The Society left his
choice quite free. Herr Bernhard undertook to supply a new one. Beethoven
and he consulted together in choosing the subject, but Herr Bernhard,
overburdened by other business, could only send the poem bit by bit.
Beethoven, however, would not begin till the whole was in his hands."]
164.
TO MDLLE. MILDER-HAUPTMANN.[1]
Vienna, Jan. 6, 1816.
MY HIGHLY VALUED MDLLE. MILDER, MY DEAR FRIEND,--
I have too long delayed writing to you. How gladly would I personally
participate in the enthusiasm you excite at Berlin in "Fidelio!" A thousand
thanks on my part for having so faithfully adhered to _my_ "Fidelio." If
you will ask Baron de la Motte-Fouqué, in my name, to discover a good
subject for an opera, and one suitable likewise to yourself, you will do a
real service both to me and to the German stage; it is also my wish to
write it expressly for the _Berlin Theatre_, as no new opera can ever
succeed in being properly given here under this very penurious direction.
Answer me soon, very soon--quickly, very quickly--as quickly as
possible--as quick as lightning--and say whether such a thing is
practicable. Herr Kapellmeister B. praised you up to the skies to me, and
he is right; well may he esteem himself happy who has the privilege of
enjoying your muse, your genius, and all your splendid endowments and
talents;--it is thus I feel. Be this as it may, those around can only call
themselves your fellow-creatures [Nebenmann], whereas I alone have a right
to claim the honored name of captain [_Hauptmann_].
In my secret heart, your true friend and admirer,
BEETHOVEN.
My poor unfortunate brother is dead, which has been the cause of my long
silence. As soon as you have replied to this letter, I will write myself to
Baron de la Motte-Fouqué. No doubt your influence in Berlin will easily
obtain for me a commission to write a grand opera (in which you shall be
especially studied) on favorable terms; but do answer me soon, that I may
arrange my other occupations accordingly.
[Music: Tenor clef, C Major, 4/4 time.
Ich küs-se Sie, drü-cke Sie an's Herz!
Ich der Haupt-mann, der Haupt-mann.]
Away with all other false _Hauptmänner_! [captains.]
[Footnote 1: Mdlle. Milder married Hauptmann, a jeweller in Munich, in
1810, travelled in 1812, and was engaged at Berlin in 1816.]
165.
TO RIES
Vienna, Jan. 20, 1816.
DEAR RIES,--
The Symphony is to be dedicated to the Empress of Russia. The pianoforte
score of the Symphony in A must not, however, appear before June, for the
publisher here cannot be ready sooner. Pray, dear Ries, inform Mr. Birchall
of this at once. The Sonata with violin accompaniment, which will be sent
from here by the next post, can likewise be published in London in May, but
the Trio at a later date (it follows by the next post); I will myself name
the time for its publication. And now, dear Ries, pray receive my heartfelt
thanks for your kindness, and especially for the corrections of the proofs.
May Heaven bless you more and more, and promote your progress, in which I
take the most sincere interest. My kind regards to your wife. Now as ever,
Your sincere friend,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
166.
TO MR. BIRCHALL,--LONDON.
Vienne, le 3. Febr. den 1816
VOUS RECEUES CI JOINT--