Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826 Volume I Part 19

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 circ.u.mstances 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,--

I have to-day applied (by letter) to my gracious master to interest himself in procuring the University Hall for two concerts which I think of giving, and in fact must give, for all remains as it was. Always considering you, both in good and evil fortune, my best friend, I suggested to the Duke that you should apply in his name for this favor to the present Rector of the University. Whatever may be the result, let me know H.R.H.'s decision as soon as possible, that I may make further efforts to extricate myself from a position so detrimental to me and to my art. I am coming this evening to the Archduke.

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

[K.]

114.

TO HERR VON BAUMEISTER.[1]

DEAR SIR,--

I request you will send me the parts of the Symphony in A, and likewise my score. His I.H. can have the MS. again, but I require it at present for the music in the Augarten to-morrow. I have just received two tickets, which I send to you, and beg you will make use of them.

I am, with esteem, yours,

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: Private Secretary to the Archduke Rudolph.]

115.

TO ZMESKALL.

Oct. 9, 1813.

MY DEAR GOOD Z.,--

Don't be indignant with me for asking you to address the enclosed letter properly; the person for whom it is intended is constantly complaining that he gets no letters from me. Yesterday I took one myself to the post-office, when I was asked where the letter was meant to go. I see, therefore, that my writing seems to be as little understood as myself. Thence my request to you. Your

BEETHOVEN.

116.

LETTER OF THANKS.

I esteem it my duty to express my grat.i.tude for the great zeal shown by all those artists who so kindly cooperated on the 8th and 12th December [1813]

in the concerts given for the benefit of the Austrian and Bavarian soldiers wounded at the battle of Hanau. It was a rare combination of eminent artists, where all were inspired by the wish to be of use to their father-land, and to contribute by the exercise of their talents to the fulfilment of the undertaking, while, regardless of all precedence, they gladly accepted subordinate places.[1] While an artist like Herr Schuppanzigh was at the head of the first violins, and by his fiery and expressive mode of conducting kindled the zeal of the whole orchestra, Herr Kapellmeister Salieri did not scruple to give the time to the drums and cannonades; Herr Spohr and Herr Mayseder, each worthy from his talents to fill the highest post, played in the second and third rank. Herr Siboni and Herr Giuliani also filled subordinate places. The conducting of the whole was only a.s.signed to me from the music being my own composition; had it been that of any one else, I would willingly, like Herr Hummel, have taken my place at the big drum, as the only feeling that pervaded all our hearts was true love for our father-land, and the wish cheerfully to devote our powers to those who had sacrificed so much for us. Particular thanks are due to Herr Maelzel, inasmuch as he first suggested the idea of this concert, and the most troublesome part of the enterprise, the requisite arrangements, management, and regulations, devolved on him. I more especially thank him for giving me an opportunity by this concert of fulfilling a wish I have long cherished, to compose for such a benevolent object (exclusive of the works already made over to him) a comprehensive work more adapted to the present times, to be laid on the altar of my father-land.[2] As a notice is to be published of all those who a.s.sisted on this occasion, the public will be enabled to judge of the n.o.ble self-denial exercised by a ma.s.s of the greatest artists, working together with the same benevolent object in view.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: The A major Symphony and _Wellington's Victory at Vittoria_ were performed.]

[Footnote 2: "Obsolete" is written in pencil by Beethoven.]

117.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.[1]

1814.

I beg you will send me the score of the "Final Chorus"[2] for half a day, as the theatrical score is so badly written.

[K.]

[Footnote 1: The spring of 1814.]

[Footnote 2: The _Schlusschor_, the score of which Beethoven requests the Archduke to send him, is in all probability the Finale _Germania!

Germania!_ intended for Treitschke's Operetta _Die gute Nachricht_, which refers to the taking of Paris by the Allies, and was performed for the first time at Vienna in the Karnthnerthor Theatre on the 11th April, 1814.

The same _Final Chorus_ was subst.i.tuted for another of Beethoven's (_Es ist vollbracht_) in Treitschke's Operetta _Die Ehrenpforten_, first given on the 15th July, 1815, in the Karnthnerthor Theatre. Both these choruses are printed in score in Breitkopf & Hartel's edition of Beethoven's works.]

118.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1814.

Having only so recently received the score of the "Final Chorus," I must ask you to excuse your getting it back so late. The best thing H.R.H. can do is to have it transcribed, for in its present form the score is of no use. I would have brought it myself, but I have been laid up with a cold since last Sunday, which is most severe, and obliges me to be very careful, being so much indisposed. I never feel greater satisfaction than when Y.R.H. derives any pleasure through me. I hope very soon to be able to wait on you myself, and in the mean time I pray that you will keep me in remembrance.