Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826 Volume I Part 35

SIR,--

I sincerely rejoice that we take the same view as to the terms in use to denote the proper time in music which have descended to us from barbarous times. For example, what can be more irrational than the general term _allegro_, which only means _lively_; and how far we often are from comprehending the real time, so that the piece itself _contradicts the designation_. As for the four chief movements,--which are, indeed, far from possessing the truth or accuracy of the four cardinal points,--we readily agree _to dispense with them_, but it is quite another matter as to the words that indicate the character of the music; these we cannot consent to do away with, for while the time is, as it were, part and parcel of the piece, the _words denote the spirit in which it is conceived_.

So far as I am myself concerned, I have long purposed giving up those inconsistent terms _allegro_, _andante_, _adagio_, and _presto_; and Maelzel's metronome furnishes us with the best opportunity of doing so. I here _pledge_ myself _no longer_ to make use of them in any of my new compositions. It is another question whether we can by this means attain the necessary universal use of the metronome. I scarcely think we shall! I make no doubt that we shall be loudly proclaimed as _despots_; but if the cause itself were to derive benefit from this, it would at least be better than to incur the reproach of Feudalism! In our country, where music has become a national requirement, and where the use of the metronome must be enjoined on every village schoolmaster, the best plan would be for Maelzel to endeavor to sell a certain number of metronomes by subscription, at the present higher prices, and as soon as the number covers his expenses, he can sell the metronomes demanded by the national requirements at so cheap a rate, that we may certainly antic.i.p.ate their _universal use_ and _circulation_. Of course some persons must take the lead in giving an impetus to the undertaking. You may safely rely on my doing what is in my power, and I shall be glad to hear what post you mean to a.s.sign to me in the affair.

I am, sir, with esteem, your obedient

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

212.

TO S.A. STEINER, MUSIC PUBLISHER,--VIENNA.

HIGHEST BORN! MOST ADMIRABLE! AND MARVELLOUS LIEUTENANT-GENERAL![1]

We beg you to give us bank-notes for twenty-four gold ducats at yesterday's rate of exchange, and to send them to us this evening or to-morrow, in order that we may forthwith _remit_ and _transmit_ them. I should be glad and happy if your trustworthy Adjutant were to bring me these, as I have something particular to say to him. He must forget all his resentment, like a good Christian; we acknowledge his merits and do not contest his demerits. In short, and once for all, we wish to see him. This evening would suit us best.

We have the honor to remain, most astounding Lieutenant-General! your devoted

GENERALISSIMUS.

[Footnote 1: Beethoven styled himself "Generalissimus," Herr A. Steiner "Lieutenant-General," and his partner, Tobias Haslinger, "Adjutant" and "Adjutant-General."]

213.

TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL VON STEINER.--PRIVATE.

PUBLICANDUM,--

After due consideration, and by the advice of our Council, we have determined and decreed that henceforth on all our works published with German t.i.tles, the word _Pianoforte_ is to be replaced by that of _Hammer Clavier_, and our worthy Lieutenant-General, his Adjutant, and all whom it may concern, are charged with the execution of this order.

Instead of Pianoforte--_Hammer Clavier_.

Such is our will and pleasure.

Given on the 23d of January, 1817, by the _Generalissimus_.

_Manu propria._

214.

TO STEINER.

The following dedication occurred to me of my new Sonata:--

"Sonata for the Pianoforte, or _Hammer Clavier_.

Composed and dedicated to Frau Baronin Dorothea Ertmann--nee Graumann, by Ludwig van Beethoven."

If the t.i.tle is already engraved, I have the two following proposals to make; viz., that I pay for one t.i.tle--I mean that it should be at my expense, or reserved for another new sonata of mine, for which purpose the mines of the Lieutenant-General (or _pleno t.i.tulo_, Lieutenant-General and First Councillor of State) must be opened to usher it into the light of day; the t.i.tle to be previously shown to a good linguist. _Hammer Clavier_ is certainly German, and so is the device. Honor to whom honor is due! How is it, then, that I have as yet received no reports of the carrying out of my orders, which, however, have no doubt been attended to?

Ever and always your attached

_Amicus ad Amic.u.m de Amico._

[Music: Treble clef.

O Ad-ju-tant!]

N.B. I beg you will observe the most profound silence about the dedication, as I wish it to be a surprise!

215.

TO ZMESKALL.

Jan. 30, 1817.

DEAR Z.,--

You seem to place me on a level with Schuppanzigh, &c., and have distorted the plain and simple meaning of my words. You are not my debtor, but I am yours, and now you make me so more than ever. I cannot express to you the pain your gift has caused me, and I must candidly say that I cannot give you one friendly glance _in return_. Although you confine yourself to the practice of music, still you have often recourse to the power of imagination, and it seems to me that this not unfrequently leads to uncalled-for caprice on your part; at least, so it appeared to me from your letter after my dedication. Loving as my sentiments are towards you, and much as I prize all your goodness, still I feel provoked!--much provoked!--terribly provoked!

Your debtor afresh,

Who will, however, contrive to have his revenge,

L. VAN BEETHOVEN.