Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826 Volume II Part 24

[Footnote 1: The originals of these three well-known notes were found by Schindler on the piano, where Beethoven usually left things of the kind, which he intended his amanuensis to take charge of. Lichnowsky, Schuppanzigh, and Schindler had all met at Beethoven's, as if by chance, in order to discuss with him some difficulties which stood in the way of the concert. The suspicious _maestro_ saw only collusion and treachery in this, and wrote these notes, which Schindler did not allow to be sent.]

367.

TO HERR SCHUPPANZIGH.

Come no more to see me. I give no concert.

BEETHOVEN.

368.

TO HERR SCHINDLER.

Do not come to me till I summon you. No concert.

BEETHOVEN.

369.

TO HERR V. SARTORIUS, ROYAL CENSOR.

SIR,--

As I hear that obstacles are likely to arise on the part of the royal censorship to a portion of sacred music being given at an evening concert in the Theatre "an der Wien," I must inform you that I have been particularly requested to give these pieces, that the copies for this purpose have already caused serious expense, and the intervening time is too short to produce other new works. Besides, only three sacred compositions are to be given, and these under the t.i.tle of hymns. I do earnestly entreat you, sir, to interest yourself in this matter, as there are always so many difficulties to contend with on similar occasions.

Should this permission not be granted, I do a.s.sure you that it will be impossible to give a concert at all, and the whole outlay expended on the copying be thrown away. I hope you have not quite forgotten me.

I am, sir, with high consideration, yours,

BEETHOVEN.

370.

TO SCHINDLER.

1824.

If you have any information to give me, pray write it down; but seal the note, for which purpose you will find wax and a seal on my table. Let me know where Duport[1] lives, when he is usually to be met with, and whether I could see him alone, or if it is probable that people will be there, and who?

I feel far from well. _Portez-vous bien._ I am still hesitating whether to speak to Duport or to write to him, which I cannot do without bitterness.

Do not wait dinner for me; I hope you will enjoy it. I do not intend to come, being ill from our bad fare of yesterday. A flask of wine is ready for you.

[Footnote 1: Schindler says that on April 24, 1824, he applied to Duport, at that time administrator of the Karnthnerthor Theatre, in Beethoven's name, to sanction his giving a grand concert there, allowing him to have the use of the house for the sum of 400 florins C.M. Further, that the conducting of the concert should be intrusted to Umlauf and Schuppanzigh, and the solos to Mesdames Unger and Sonntag, and to the ba.s.s singer Preisinger.]

371.[1]

TO SCHINDLER.

I beg you will come to see me to-morrow, as I have a tale to tell you as sour as vinegar. Duport said yesterday that he had written to me, though I have not yet got his letter, but he expressed his satisfaction, which is best of all. The chief feat however is not yet performed, that which is to be acted in front of the _Proscenium_!

[In Beethoven's writing:] Yours, _from C# below to high F_,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: Written by his nephew.]

372.

TO SCHINDLER.

After six weeks of discussion, here, there, and everywhere, I am fairly boiled, stewed, and roasted. What will be the result of this much-talked-of concert if the prices are not raised? What shall I get in return for all my outlay, as the copying alone costs so much?

373.

TO SCHINDLER.

At twelve o'clock to-day "in die Birne" [an inn on the Landstra.s.se]--thirsty and hungry--then to the coffee-house, back again here, and straight to Penzing, or I shall lose the lodging.

374.

TO SCHINDLER.

When you write to me, write exactly as I do to you, without any formal address or signature--_vita brevis, ars longa_. No necessity for details; only the needful!

375.

TO HERR STEINER & CO.

Baden, May 27, 1824.

P.N.G. [PATERNOSTERGa.s.sEL],--

Have the goodness to give me a proof of your great complaisance, by using your hand-rostrum (ruler) (not _Rostrum Victoriatum_) to rule 202 lines of music for me, somewhat in the style I now send, and also on equally fine paper, which you must include in your account. Send it, if possible, to-morrow evening by Carl, for I require it.

Perhaps plenary indulgence may then be granted.

376.