Chapter 10

1st P.S. Take care that the venison is not devoured by rats or mice--you understand? Strive for better choice and variety.

Yours, as a Christian and in Apollo,

B.

2d P.S. As for the little flag on the white tower, we hope soon to see it waving again!

[Footnote 1: An allusion to Hauschka's subserviency to all persons in high Court offices.]

393.

TO HERR NÄGELI,--ZURICH.

Vienna, November 17, 1824.

MY MUCH-VALUED FRIEND,--

Deeply absorbed in work, and not sufficiently protected against this late season of the year, I have again been ill; so believe me it was impossible for me to write to you sooner. With regard to your subscription, I have only succeeded in getting one subscriber for two copies, Herr v. Bihler, tutor in the family of His Imperial Highness the Archduke Carl; he tried to get the Archduke also, but failed. I have exerted myself with every one, but, unluckily, people are here actually deluged with things of the same kind. This is all that I can write to you in my hurry. I urged the matter, too, on Haslinger, but in vain; we are really poor here in Austria, and the continued pressure of the war leaves but little for art and science. I will see that the subscriptions are paid, but let me know distinctly where the money is to be sent to. I embrace you in spirit. Always rely on the high esteem of your true friend,

BEETHOVEN.

394.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

November 18, 1824.

YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS,--

On my return from Baden, illness prevented my waiting on Y.R.H. according to my wish, being prohibited going out; thus yesterday was the first time I dared to venture again into the open air. When your gracious letter arrived, I was confined to bed, and under the influence of sudorifics, my illness having been caused by a chill; so it was impossible for me to rise. I feel sure that Y.R.H is well aware that I never would neglect the respect so properly your due. I shall have the pleasure of waiting on you to-morrow forenoon. Moreover, there will be no lack of opportunity here to awaken the interest Y.R.H. takes in music, which cannot fail to prove so beneficial to art,--ever my refuge, thank God!

I remain Y.R.H.'s obedient servant,

BEETHOVEN.

395.

TO SCHOTT,--MAYENCE.

Vienna, November 18, 1824.

I regret being obliged to tell you that some little time must yet elapse before I can send off the works. There was not in reality much to revise in the copies; but as I did not pass the summer here, I am obliged to make up for this now, by giving two lessons a day to H.R.H. the Archduke Rudolph. This exhausts me so much that it almost entirely unfits me for all else. Moreover, I cannot live on my income, and my pen is my sole resource; but _no consideration is shown either for my health or my precious time_. I do hope that this may not long continue, when I will at once complete the slight revision required. Some days ago I received a proposal which concerns you also; its purport being that a foreign music publisher was disposed, &c., &c., to form a connection with you, in order to guard against piracy. I at once declined the offer, having had sufficiently painful experience on these matters. (Perhaps this was only a pretext to spy into my affairs!)

396.

TO CARL HOLZ.

I send you my greetings, and also wish to tell you that I am not going out to-day. I should be glad to see you, perhaps this evening after your office hours.

In haste, your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

I am by no means well.

397.

TO CARL HOLZ.

MY WORTHY HOLZ--BE NO LONGER HOLZ [WOOD]!

The well-beloved government wishes to see me to-day at ten o'clock. I beg you will go in my place; but first call on me, which you can arrange entirely according to your own convenience. I have already written a letter to the _powers that be_, which you can take with you. I much regret being forced to be again so troublesome to you, but my going is out of the question, and the affair must be brought to a close,

Yours,

BEETHOVEN.

398.

TO SCHOTT,--MAYENCE.

Vienna, December 17 [Beethoven's birthday], 1824.

I write to say that a week must yet elapse before the works can be dispatched to you. The Archduke only left this yesterday, and much precious time was I obliged to spend with him. I am beloved and highly esteemed by him, _but_--I cannot live on that, and the call from every quarter to remember "that he who has a lamp ought to pour oil into it" finds no response here.

As the score ought to be correctly engraved, I must look it over repeatedly myself, for I have no clever copyist at present. Pray, do not think ill of me! _Never_ was I guilty of anything base!

399.

March, 1825.

MY GOOD FRIENDS,--

Each is herewith appointed to his own post, and formally taken into our service, pledging his honor to do his best to distinguish himself, and each to vie with the other in zeal.

Every individual cooperating in this performance must subscribe his name to this paper.[1]

Schuppanzigh, (_Manu propria._) Weiss. Linke, (M.P.) Confounded violoncello of the great masters. Holz, (M.P.) The _last_, but only as to his signature.

[Footnote 1: In reference to the rehearsals of the first production of the E flat major Quartet, Op. 127, in March, 1825.]

400.

TO SCHINDLER.

The Spring of 1825.

I have waited till half-past one o'clock, but as the _caput confusum_ has not come, I know nothing of what is likely to happen. Carl must be off to the University in the Prater; so I am obliged to go, that Carl, who must leave this early, may have his dinner first. I am to be found in the "Wilde Mann" [an inn in the Prater].

To Herr Schindler, _Moravian numskull_.[1]

[Footnote 1: Schindler was a Moravian.]

401.

TO LINKE, VIOLONCELLIST.[1]

DEAR LINKE,--

Having heard Herr v. Bocklet very highly spoken of, I think it would be advisable to ask him kindly to play in the trio at your concert. I do not know him myself, or I would have applied to him on your behalf. Always rely on me when it is in my power to serve you.

Yours truly,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: Bocklet, a pianist in Vienna, tells me that he rehearsed the Trio with Holz and Linke in 1825 or 1826 at Beethoven's.]

402.[1]

TO * * *

SIR,--

Through the stupidity of my housekeeper your mother was recently sent away from my house, without my having been informed of her visit. I highly disapprove of such incivility, especially as the lady was not even shown into my apartments. The _rudeness_ and _coarseness_ of the persons whom I am so unfortunate as to have in my service are well known to every one; I therefore request your forgiveness.

Your obedient servant,

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: In the New Vienna _Musik Zeitung_ the occasion of this note is thus related:--"In 1825, a well-known artist and _dilettante_ in the composition of music published a book of waltzes, each of these being composed by the most popular and celebrated musicians of the day; as no one declined giving a musical contribution to the editor, the profits being intended to enable him to go to Carlsbad for the benefit of the waters there. The work met with unusual support and sympathy. It then occurred to the editor to apply for a contribution to the great Ludwig van Beethoven, with whom he had been acquainted in former days through his father and grandfather. The great musician at once, in the most gracious and amiable manner, promised to comply with the request, and sent him not only a waltz, but (the only one who did so) also a trio, desiring the editor to send in the course of a month for these works, which would by that time be completed. As the editor was in the mean time taken ill, he was not able to call for the work himself, and was thus obliged to give up this interesting visit. He therefore requested his mother to apply for the waltz, &c., and to express his thanks; but the housekeeper, to whom she gave her name, refused to admit her, saying she could not do so, 'for her master was in such a crazy mood.' As at this very moment Beethoven chanced to put his head in at the door, she hurried the lady into a dark room, saying, 'Hide yourself, as it is quite impossible that anyone can speak to him to-day,' getting out of the way herself as fast as she could. A couple of days afterwards Beethoven sent the waltz, &c., to the house of the musical editor in question, with the above letter."]

403.

TO F. RIES.

Vienna, April 9, 1825.

MY DEAR GOOD RIES,--

I write only what is most pressing! So far as I can remember in the score of the Symphony [the 9th] that I sent you, in the first hautboy, 242d bar, there stands [Music: F E D] instead of [Music: F E E]. I have carefully revised all the instrumental parts, but those of the brass instruments only partially, though I believe they are tolerably correct. I would already have sent you my score [for performance at the Aix musical festival], but I have still a concert in prospect, if indeed my health admits of it, and this MS. is the only score I possess. I must now soon go to the country, as this is the only season when I profit by it.

You will shortly receive the second copy of the "Opferlied;" mark it at once as corrected by myself, that it may not be used along with the one you already possess. It is a fine specimen of the wretched copyists I have had since Schlemmer's death. It is scarcely possible to rely on a single note. As you have now got all the parts of the _finale_ of the Symphony copied out, I have likewise sent you the score of the choral parts. You can easily score these before the chorus commences, and when the vocal parts begin, it could be contrived, with a little management, to affix the instrumental parts just above the scored vocal parts. It was impossible for me to write all these out at once, and if we had hurried such a copyist, you would have got nothing but mistakes.

I send you an Overture in C, 6/8 time, not yet published; you shall have the engraved parts by the next post. A _Kyrie_ and _Gloria_, two of the principal movements (of the solemn Mass in D major), and an Italian vocal duet, are also on their way to you. You will likewise receive a grand march with chorus, well adapted for a musical performance on a great scale, but I think you will find what I have already sent quite sufficient.

Farewell! You are now in the regions of the Rhine [Ries at that time lived at Godesberg, near Bonn], which will ever be so dear to me! I wish you and your wife every good that life can bestow! My kindest and best regards to your father, from your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

404.

TO HERR JENGER,--VIENNA.[1]

1824.

MY ESTEEMED FRIEND,--

It will give me much pleasure to send you some day soon the score of Matthisson's "Opferlied." The whole of it, published and unpublished, is quite at your service. Would that my circumstances permitted me to place at once at your disposal the greater works I have written, before they have been heard. I am, alas! fettered on this point; but it is possible that such an opportunity may hereafter occur, when I shall not fail to take advantage of it.

The enclosed letter is for Hofrath v. Kiesewetter. I beg you will be so good as to deliver it, especially as it concerns yourself quite as much as the Herr Hofrath.

I am, with high esteem, your devoted friend,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: This note is addressed to Jenger in Vienna, a chancery official and a musical amateur, connoisseur, factotum, and distinguished pianist. The date is not known. The _Opferlied_ he refers to, is undoubtedly the 2d arrangement, Op. 121-b, which according to the Leipzig _A.M. Zeitung_ was performed as Beethoven's "most recent poetical and musical work," at the concert in the Royal Redoutensaal, April 4, 1824.]

405.

TO SCHOTT.

I have much pleasure in herewith contributing to the "Cecilia"[1] and its readers some Canons written by me, as a supplement to a humorous and romantic biography of Herr Tobias Haslinger residing here, which is shortly to appear in three parts.

In the _first_ part, Tobias appears as the assistant of the celebrated and solid Kapellmeister Fux, holding the ladder for his _Gradus ad Parnassum_. Being, however, mischievously inclined, he contrives, by shaking and moving the ladder, to cause many who had already climbed up a long way, suddenly to fall down, and break their necks.

He now takes leave of this earthly clod and comes to light again in the _second_ part in the time of Albrechtsberger. The already existing Fux, _nota cambiata_, is now dealt with in conjunction with Albrechtsberger. The alternating subjects of the Canon are most fully illustrated. The art of creating musical skeletons is carried to the utmost limit, &c.

Tobias begins once more to spin his web as a caterpillar, and comes forth again in the _third_ part, making his third appearance in the world. His half-fledged wings bear him quickly to the Paternostergässel, of which he becomes the Kapellmeister. Having emerged from the school of the _nota cambiata_, he retains only the _cambiata_ and becomes a member of several learned societies, &c. But here are the Canons.

On a certain person of the name of Schwencke.[2]

[Music: treble clef, key of F major, 3/4 time. Schwen-ke dich, Schwen-ke dich oh-ne Schwän-ke, oh-ne Schwän-ke, oh-ne Schwän-ke, oh-ne Schwän-ke ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ Schwen-ke dich, schwen-ke dich, schwen-ke dich ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷]

On a certain person of the name of Hoffmann.

[Music: treble clef, key of C, 3/4 time. Hoff-mann! Hoff-mann! Sei ja kein Hof-mann! ja kein Hof-mann! nein, nein ÷ nein ÷ ÷ ÷ ich hei-ße Hoff-mann und bin kein Hof-mann]

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: A periodical published for the musical world, and edited by a society of _savants_, art-critics, and artists; Mayence, B. Schott & Sons. The publishers applied to Beethoven, in the name of the editors, for a contribution to the _Cecilia_.]

[Footnote 2: It appears that Kapellmeister Schwencke in Hamburg, in many complimentary and flowery phrases, had requested Beethoven to send him his autograph. Perhaps Beethoven, to whom the sound of certain names appeared comical, alludes here to this Hamburg Kapellmeister Schwencke.]

406.

TO LUDWIG RELLSTAB.

May 3, 1825.

As I was just starting for the country yesterday, I was obliged to make some preparations myself; so unluckily your visit to me was in vain. Forgive me in consideration of my very delicate health. As perhaps I may not see you again, I wish you every possible prosperity. Think of me when writing your poems.

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

Convey my affectionate regards and esteem to Zelter,--that faithful prop of true art.

Though convalescent, I still feel very weak. Kindly accept the following token of remembrance from

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

[Music: treble clef, C-major. Das Schö-ne mit dem Guten.]

407.

TO * * *

Vienna.

SIR,--

Being on the point of going into the country, and only very recently recovered from an attack of internal inflammation, I can merely write you a few words. In the passage in the "Opferlied," 2d strophe, where it runs thus:--

[Music: C-clef on bottom line, A major, marked "Solostimme". E-rde.]

I wish it to be written thus:--

[Music: E-rde. (with different notes)]

408.

TO HIS BROTHER JOHANN.

Baden, May 6, 1825.

The bell and bell-pulls, &c., &c., are on no account whatever to be left in my former lodging. No proposal was ever made to these people to take any of my things. Indisposition prevented my sending for it, and the locksmith had not come during my stay to take down the bell; otherwise it might have been at once removed and sent to me in town, as they have no right whatever to retain it. Be this as it may, I am quite determined not to leave the bell there, for I require one here, and therefore intend to use the one in question for my purpose, as a similar one would cost me twice as much as in Vienna, bell-pulls being the most expensive things locksmiths have. If necessary, apply at once to the police. The window in my room is precisely in the same state as when I took possession, but I am willing to pay for it, and also for the one in the kitchen,--2 florins 12 kreutzers for the two. The key I will not pay for, as I found none; on the contrary, the door was fastened or nailed up when I came, and remained in the same condition till I left; there never was a key, so of course neither I myself, nor those who preceded me, could make use of one. Perhaps it is intended to make a collection, in which case I am willing to put my hand in my pocket.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

409.

TO HERR VON SCHLEMMER.[1]

SIR,--

It strikes me as very remarkable that Carl cannot be persuaded to go into good society, where he might amuse himself in a creditable manner. This almost leads me to suspect that he possibly finds recreations, both in the evening and at night, in less respectable company. I entreat you to be on your guard as to this, and on no pretext whatever to allow him to leave the house at night, unless you receive a written request from me to that effect, by Carl. He once paid a visit, with my sanction, to Herr Hofrath Breuning. I strongly recommend this matter to your attention; it is far from being indifferent, either to you or to me; so I would once more urge you to practise the greatest vigilance.

I am, sir,

Your obedient

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: In 1825, his nephew lived with Schlemmer in the Alleengasse, close to the Karlskirche.]

410.

TO HIS NEPHEW.

Frau Schlemmer is to receive, or has already received, her money by our housekeeper. Some letters must be written to-morrow. Let me know what time would suit you best? Your

UNCLE.

I left my pocket-handkerchief with you.

411.[1]

MY DEAR SON,--

I have this moment got your letter. I still feel very weak and solitary, and only read the horrid letter I enclose! I send you 25 florins to buy the books at once, and you can spend the surplus when you require to do so. Pray bring me back Reisser's note.[2] On Saturday, the 14th of May, I will send a carriage into town to fetch you here; the charge is as yet very reasonable. The old woman is to inquire what hour will suit you best; you can set off at any time before six in the evening, so that you need neglect nothing. Perhaps I may come myself, and then your shirts might be purchased; in which case it would be as well if you were to be at liberty by four o'clock; but if I do not come, which is very possible, drive straight here at five or six o'clock in the evening. You will not thus feel so much fatigued, and you can leave this again on Monday, if nothing is neglected by the delay. You can take the money with you for the Correpetitor. Are you aware that this affair of the Correpetitor, including board and lodging, amounts to 2000 florins a year? I can write no more to-day, I can scarcely guide my pen. Show this letter to Reisser.

Your affectionate

FATHER.

[Footnote 1: I have arranged the following notes to his nephew in their probable succession as to time. Schindler has given some of these in his _Biography_, but quite at random, and disjointed, without any reliable chronological order.]

[Footnote 2: Reisser was Vice-Director of the Polytechnic Institution, where the nephew had been placed for some time. Reisser had also undertaken the office of his co-guardian. Beethoven sometimes writes _Reissig_.]

412.

TO DR. BRAUNHOFER.

Baden, May 13, 1825.

MY ESTEEMED FRIEND,--

_Doctor._ "How does our patient get on?"

_Patient._ "Still in a bad way, feeling weak and irritable, and I think that at last we must have recourse to stronger medicines, and yet not too violent; surely I might now drink white wine with water, for that deleterious beer is quite detestable. My catarrhal condition is indicated by the following symptoms. I spit a good deal of blood, though probably only from the windpipe. I have constant bleeding from the nose, which has been often the case this winter. There can be no doubt that my digestion is terribly weakened, and in fact my whole system, and, so far as I know my own constitution, my strength will never be recruited by its natural powers."

_Doctor._ "I will prescribe for you, and soon, very soon, shall your health be restored."

_Patient._ "How glad I should be to sit down at my writing-table, with some cheerful companions. Reflect on this proposal." _Finis._

P.S. I will call on you as soon as I come to town, only tell Carl at what hour I am likely to see you. It would be a good plan to give Carl directions what I am to do. (I took the medicine only once, and have lost it.)

I am, with esteem and gratitude,

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

[Music: Treble clef, C major, 2/2 time. Doctor sperrt das Thor dem Todt: Rote hilft auch aus der Roth. Doctor sperrt das Thor dem Todt: Rote hilft auch aus der Roth.]

Written on May 11th, 1825, in Baden, Helenenthal, second floor, Anton's-Brücke, near Siechenfeld.

413.

TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, May 17.

MY DEAR SON,--

The weather here is abominable, and the cold greater even than yesterday; so much so that I have scarcely the use of my fingers to write; this is the case, however, only in the mountains, and more especially in Baden. I forgot the chocolate to-day, and am sorry to be obliged to trouble you about it, but all will go better soon. I enclose you 2 florins, to which you must add 15 kreutzers; send it if possible with the post in the afternoon; otherwise I shall have none the day after to-morrow; the people of the house will assist you in this. May God bless you! I begin to write again very tolerably; still, in this most dreary, cold stormy weather, it is almost impossible to have any clear conceptions. Now as ever,

Your good and loving

FATHER.

414.

TO HIS NEPHEW.

Noon, 1 o'clock.

MY DEAR SON,--

I merely wish to let you know that the old woman is not yet returned,--why, I cannot tell. Inquire immediately at Höbel's in the Kothgasse, whether the Höbel who belongs to this place set off from Vienna to Baden? It is really so distressing to me to depend on such people, that if life did not possess higher charms, it would be utterly insupportable in my eyes. You no doubt got my yesterday's letter, and the 2 florins for the chocolate. I shall be obliged to drink coffee to-morrow; perhaps after all it is better for me than chocolate, as the prescriptions of this B. [Braunhofer] have been repeatedly wrong. Indeed he seems to me very ignorant, and a blockhead into the bargain; he must have known about the asparagus. Having dined at the inn to-day, I have a threatening of diarrhoea. I have no more white wine, so I must get it from the inn, and such wine too! for which, however, I pay 3 florins! Two days ago the old woman wrote to me that she wished to end her days in an alms-house; perhaps she will not return to me; so be it in God's name! she will always be a wicked old woman. She ought to make arrangements with the person whom she knows of. She wrote to me in a very different strain from that in which she spoke to you on Sunday, and said "that the people refused to give up the bell-pull." Who knows whether she may not have some interest in the matter? She went into town yesterday at six o'clock, and I begged her to make haste back here this forenoon; if she still comes, I must go to town the day after to-morrow. Leave a written message to say when I am to see you.... Write me a few lines immediately. How much I regret troubling you, but you must see that I cannot do otherwise.... Your attached

FATHER.

How distressing to be in such a state here!

To Herr Carl van Beethoven,

Vienna, Alleengasse 72, Karlskirche, 1ter Étage, at Herr Schlemmer's.

415.

TO HIS NEPHEW.

MY DEAR SON,--

I sent for the cabinet-maker to-day with the old--witch--to Asinanius'[1] house. Don't forget the paintings, and the things sent in last summer; at all events look for them. I may perhaps come on Saturday; if not, you must come to me on Sunday. May God watch over you, my dear son.

Your attached

FATHER.

I cannot write much. Send me a few words.[2]