“Hastily, your friend Beethoven.”

Brandenburg Letter 2202; Anderson Letter 1524. The reference to the “realm of love” refers to Holz’s frequent visits (sometimes overnight) to Döbling and the home of his fiancée Elisabeth Bogner. The referenced letters to Holz and Breuning appear to be lost. The original letter (which presumably was delivered by Beethoven’s housekeeper or maid) is held by the Bonn Beethovenhaus (BH 37) and can be seen here:

https://www.beethoven.de/de/media/view/5780789581053952/scan/0

Wenzel Rampl has come to see Beethoven. Rampl is doing more and more copying for the theater, because it is a regular income, and they allow him to write at home. The days are getting shorter, so he has to work at night as well. “I still have a debt to pay from my wife’s long-term illness. [Rampl’s wife Anna had died on May 4, 1826; Wiener Zeitung Nr.106 of May 10, 1826 at 455.

Beethoven invites Rampl to dinner, but Rampl is already full.

Beethoven had asked for a copy of the oratorio Saul by Handel; not long ago Rampl spoke to someone who said he could get the full score for him. While it might be bought, Rampl doesn’t know the price. He will ask one of these days and see how much it would cost. Could you just borrow it, Beethoven asks. Rampl says he will ask if he can spare it for half a day, but he doesn’t know if he will be able to get it, for he will definitely demand something. But if Beethoven orders to have it and buy it, that would be best since people want assurance and will hold back, thinking Rampl is pulling their leg. Rampl would like to know what he can offer for the copy of Saul.

Beethoven asks about the score of Fidelio, of which Rampl was going to make an additional copy. The score for Fidelio [owned by the Kärntnertor Theater] has been loaned to a female singer [no doubt Nanette Schechner, who has been rumored to be preparing a performance of the opera] for a long time; Rampl has often asked for it.

Rampl takes his leave, saying it is urgent that he go into the City to the Kärntnertor Theater, since they have the opera Leicester [by François Auber] coming up and that is making the copying urgent.

Beethoven later in the day meets with Stephan von Breuning at a coffee house regarding Nephew Karl’s future in the military. “I suppose Holz must have written to you that I’ll go with you to see Karl.” Breuning is not keen on the coffee; it is thick and looks like bark.

“Karl could either join the Archduke Ludwig regiment, where [Field Marshall Joseph von] Stutterheim is the 2nd in chief, or the Archduke Rudolph regiment.”

Beethoven mentions that Anna von Gleichenstein, née von Malfatti, (1792-1869) is in Vienna. Breuning asks how he knows this, and Beethoven tells him that it was in the Arrivals column of yesterday’s Wiener Zeitung. [Gleichenstein arrived in Vienna on September 15. Beethoven had asked her sister Therese to marry him in 1810.] Anna’s husband, Ignaz von Gleichenstein, has been in Vienna several times, but he did not visit Breuning.

They go to the hospital to see Karl, and Breuning speaks to Karl alone. He reports back to Beethoven that he introduced Karl to what military life consists of, including hardship, discouragement, and obstacles to advancement. “I painted it in strong, but true colors; however, he holds firm on the military career and speaks of his long-prevailing preference for this career, which could not be altered for anything. That was the short result of the long conversation.”

What was Karl’s response to your warnings of the difficulties of military life, Beethoven asks. “He says, though he did not know and see everything as clearly as now, his resolve remains firm, and he is convinced that if there is yet to be some happiness for him, then he will find it in a military career.”

Afterwards, probably around 5 p.m. as he had suggested in his letter, Beethoven meets with Karl Holz. Beethoven asks whether he should pay a tip to Karl’s doctor. Holz advises that is not customary; only the nurse gets something. “It is not customary with regard to the doctors, for they get their salary from the hospital after all. If you think about all the expenses you had there, I would not think they would expect a gift.” Beethoven asks what the monthly charge is for Karl’s care. As of now, it is 40 florins.

Beethoven needs a new watch for Karl, who pawned his to buy the pistols he used in his suicide attempt. The best watches can be found for 20 florins W.W., Holz tells him. “I’ll take you to a watchmaker who can be trusted. If only it does not go to the devil again.”

Conversation Book 121, 33v-39r.

“I ask you to come to me at noon; incidentally, no delay in this matter except for that of the money; he can pay the fee in 6 weeks or even longer.”

Brandenburg Letter 2199; Anderson Letter 1254. This letter probably belongs to the period of time Schlesinger was in Vienna, arriving on September 4 and meeting Beethoven on September 5. The description of him as acting “treacherously” may relate to Mathias Artaria’s revelation on Friday, September 15 that Schlesinger lied to Artaria about having bought three quartets from Beethoven. The original is held by the Berlin Staatsbibliothek (Grasnick 35,21).

Unpaid assistant Karl Holz comes by Beethoven’s apartment for mid-day dinner, but he has to be back to his office by 3 o’clock. He asks when Brother Johann will be coming, and whether Beethoven has secured his bank shares. [It may be at this time that Beethoven shows Holz the hidden compartment in his cabinet, in which he keeps the bank shares, and, as will be discussed after Beethoven’s death, the Heiligenstadt Testament and the letter to the Immortal Beloved.]

Holz tells Ludwig that Karl will be subject to a curfew once he is released from the hospital; if he is not at home by 10 o’clock in the evening, he will be placed under house arrest for several days.

Discussion turns to the competing publishers, Tobias Haslinger and Adolph Martin Schlesinger. Holz says Haslinger is a shrewd man; while the other is a Jew. Haslinger claims that he will publish the cantata [Der glorreiche Augenblick, op.136], and he will pay whatever fee Beethoven demands. Beethoven suggests 2000 ducats. Holz tells him that would be 23,000 florins W.W. Holz suggests that if he would pay 2000 ducats, then he would also pay 10,000 florins C.M. [which would be 25,000 florins W.W. ].

Holz tells Beethoven again that he is to be married [the wedding will occur May 16, 1827.]

Holz, freshly returned from his vacation, has a lot to do at the office, so he needs to stick to his timetable. He says he will come at 5 o’clock in the evening tomorrow, before he goes to Döbling to visit his fiancée. At mid-day he has lessons until 2 o’clock and the time would be too short. If Beethoven is not at home tomorrow evening, then Holz can come early the day after tomorrow [Wednesday, September 20.] He will be going past the Schwarzspanierhaus anyway.

Holz would like to formally become Beethoven’s secretary, if managing his correspondence is getting too difficult for him, especially since Nephew Karl will not be much help in the future. “It would be good if you had your own concept book, like merchants have, for your correspondence, as frequently one does not recall what one has written. In this book I’ll write the letter, then you improve what you find necessary, and then I’ll copy it.” The idea is not to cause any trouble for Beethoven, and that will give him more time for composing. With Beethoven being such a famous name, this step has become necessary.

Holz asks whether Beethoven gave Wenzel Rampl the score of the dedication copy for the Ninth Symphony to be corrected. [Rampl had written the bulk of the score; Beethoven has noted corrections in the margins, which then were made in the score by Rampl. Rampl will come to visit Beethoven tomorrow afternoon.]

Holz mentions that cellist Joseph Linke has a friend in Berlin, Martin Gottlieb Deetz (1769-1842), who has a great deal of power over the king and admires Beethoven. He could also support the petition for an award of an honorary order by the king. [Holz refers to him as “the mayor,” but Deetz had served as temporary mayor of Königsberg, not Berlin.]

Holz heads back to his office. Beethoven reads the newspapers in a coffee house on the way to see Nephew Karl in the hospital. Beethoven makes a note of an advertisement in the Intelligenzblatt for a corn cutting instrument.

At the hospital, Beethoven warns Karl about trying to slip away. Karl tells him, “I know very well how far my freedom extends — I am not going to sneak away from here, you can rely on that.”

Karl has his choice of beef or venison for his dinner, but cannot have both.

The brevity of this visit suggests that uncle and nephew may have had an argument that cut it short.

Conversation Book 121, 30v-33v.

Ludwig continues on to the hospital to see Karl. They discuss what branch of the military Karl would like to join. The cavalry is really not an option, since that is composed mostly of men from the nobility. It would therefore be very difficult to advance there. “Also my body is much more suited for the infantry, and the strain much less.” Perhaps a grenadier regiment would be suitable. [The grenadiers being an elite unit of the infantry, they were typically tall and powerfully built, and Karl was rather slight.]

Karl thinks it would be best to bring Stephan von Breuning to the hospital, and then Karl will talk to him.

Karl is now able to drink wine, and he has been able to have beer for a couple weeks. He has it fetched from the Traiteur.

Conversation Book 121, 29v-30v.

Beethoven writes a short, humorous note to Tobias Haslinger, probably sometime around now. “There are still some errors, among which is, as is self-evident, a Tobiasserle (of a certain Tobias, a runaway pupil of Fuchs and Albrechtsberger, who became Kapellmeister of Paternostergäßlersschen. See his Humorous Biography, published by Schott’s Sons in Mainz, 1825, page 300). As soon as these indicated errors are corrected, I ask you to send both the proofs and corrections back to me. You will receive them back immediately, as soon as I am satisfied with the improvement. At the same time, I ask you to have these errors corrected as well in the vocal parts and the piano reductions. Regarding the title of the piano reduction for piano solo, I would also have something to add.”

“Dixi — If you would hurry with this, I would be very pleased.”

“Farewell, primus p—r n—r G—r.”

“Yours truly, Beethoven.”

Brandenburg Letter 2216; Anderson Letter 1530. Because of the reference to the “humorous biography,” which had caused bad feelings between them, this letter probably dates from September, 1826, once things have been patched up, which occurred around September 12, but before about September 25, when plans start being made to travel to Gneixendorf. The “biography” had been published in Cäcilia 2 (1825, issue 7) at page 300. Since the letter refers to a work being published in score, parts, and piano arrangement, it must relate to the March and Chorus, op.114, and not Tremate, empi tremate, op.116, both of which were in preparation to be published by Haslinger about this time.

“Yours, Beethoven.”

Brandenburg Letter 2200. The original is held in Basel at the Paul-Sacher-Stiftung. J.J. Schott noted on the letter “Please include the errata in the symphony score in the next issue of Cäcilia.” In the engraved manuscript of the op.131 quartet in the Schott archives, the natural on the D in bar 6 is present, but the natural on the D in bar 7 is missing, and was added using red chalk, which corresponds to the autograph, Artaria 211. The early version Artaria 212 held by the Berlin Staatsbibliothek is correctly marked with the natural in both places.

Uncle Ludwig goes to visit Nephew Karl at the General Hospital about today. Karl needs something from an apothecary; Uncle Ludwig says he will have unpaid assistant Karl Holz take care of it. Karl tells him that he won’t be necessary [Holz is probably in Baden bei Wien with the Bogner family]; the maid could even be sent for it. Karl will write what’s needed on a note, and the apothecary can write down what it costs on the box. Even the cook could do it.

Uncle Ludwig asks about the food at the hospital. Karl says that it is too much for him; he gets enough with one dish and soup. As an example, he has beef steak with noodles. He can’t eat any more, but Uncle Ludwig urges him to eat more to regain his strength and Karl tells him he will try it once.

Uncle Ludwig makes note of some purchases to be made:

• paper for Karl
• wax candles

Uncle Ludwig mentions that Brother Johann has written that he will come to Vienna soon. Johann is inviting Ludwig to his estate in Gneixendorf yet again. [The letter does not survive.] Karl says that if Johann is willing to come, it must be because Ludwig wrote to him; Karl knows that his mother did not write him. Ludwig notes that Johann made no mention of Karl’s attempted suicide. Karl tells him, “he did not want to mention it at all, perhaps so as not to remind you of it; and tried to get you to come to him in order to divert you.”

All the conditions for Karl’s release are well known. Karl is certain there will be no objections, and it could happen any day. But he would like to stay here in the hospital in the meantime, benefiting from the calm and seclusion. “I do not intend to make use of this permission, if it is not necessary, because it is important for me that no one sees me, at least by your side, where anyone would know me. Besides, when I have recovered, I will still need a woman to take care of cleansing the head. I cannot — due to my dependent situation — insist on my wish to spend these 8-14 days with my mother (where the best care and seclusion would have been provided), but I hope that I will at least be granted this stay and the calm that is so necessary for my mental state.”

The charge for the hospital is 50 florins C.M., or its equivalent in paper money, 125 florins W.W.

Conversation Book 121 28r-29v.

Beethoven goes this morning, or possibly late yesterday afternoon, to visit Nephew Karl, who is still recovering in the General Hospital. Karl is pondering his coming military career, possibly with the musketeers or the grenadiers. “I know the whole system there very well, and I am convinced that I will easily endure the few [hardships]. Besides, in peacetime there are few strains apart from standing guard, which only happens once in 8 days.” The cadets get proper beds, and have their own rooms, Karl says.

Back at Beethoven’s apartment in the Schwarzspanierhaus, publisher Mathias Artaria visits him as promised about 11 a.m., having just come from Archduke Rudolph. “He longs very much to see you. I said you were in the mountains. He told me to ask you to please come and visit him immediately when you return. I said that you would be back here again in 8 or 10 days.”

On to business; Berlin publisher Adolph Martin Schlesinger told Artaria that he bought 3 new quartets from Beethoven 4 days ago, and had paid the fee for them in advance. Beethoven tells him that is not at all true. Schlesinger is mad at Artaria because he would not sell the quartet [in B-flat major, op.130] to his son Maurice. Artaria adds, “As I left the Archduke today, I met Prince [Eduard Maria] Lichnowsky at my shop. I was talking to him about important things when Schlesinger entered, and because I did not attend to him at once, he left outraged!”

Artaria shows Beethoven a proof of the title page that has been engraved by Kurka for the string quartet, and the special ink that will be used. The lithographer thinks that it will only work if the same kind of ink is also used for the ruling of the borders. First one has to grind the ink while it is dry, and then afterwards pour water over it, but not too much water.

Beethoven mentions that he has discussed his complete works being published by Schlesinger, with the prior publishers being compensated. Artaria grudgingly approves. “If the Oeuvres complets are published with the consent from all publishers who have paid a fee, then it is something different, but one must not impair the property of anyone!” The proprietors of the publishing houses need to be associates in this business.

But what about the little new quartet [op.135]? Is it finished? Not quite yet, Beethoven tells Artaria. Artaria inquires, who published the Rasoumovsky quartets? [Schreyvogel & Co, Bureau des arts et d’industrie, was the original publisher, though Steiner had also issued a new edition a few years ago as well.] Artaria also mentions a quartet dedicated to Prince Lichnowsky. [There are no Beethoven quartets dedicated to him; Artaria may be confused about the dedication of the op.74 quartet to Prince Lobkowitz.]

Artaria plans a prank on Schlesinger. He will ask for a privilege for the quartet in Prussia. Beethoven mentions that he never got paid by Schlesinger for the op.130 quartet. Artaria tells him that if he hadn’t bought that quartet himself, the money would still be held by Schlesinger’s bankers. Another work is mentioned; Artaria says it will have been re-engraved four times in Vienna alone: Haslinger, Domenico Artaria & Co., Anton Diabelli, and Maximilian Leidesdorf.

Artaria would have liked to have had the quartet Schott’s received [op.131]. “But you know how it is with merchants from time to time. At that time I had to pay very much for foreign merchandise, but the cash desk was rather lean!”

Artaria is still interested in publishing the lieder that Beethoven had mentioned. [These are the same 25- to 30-year-old songs that Beethoven had offered to C.F. Peters in 1822, other than the Arietta, Der Kuss, op.128, which had been sold in the meantime.] He asks whether Beethoven has had a chance to look through them. Beethoven has not. “When you have another quartet ready, then please think of me. If there is high tide in the cash desk, then everything will be paid out in gold; if there is ebb in there, my longest deadline will be 3 months.” Artaria gets quarterly payments from the court library, which allows him to make payments on a regular basis. His bills come to 10,000 florins C.M. annually. A copy of everything that has been published needs to be handed in to the court library.

Beethoven receives his copies of the Ninth Symphony and the quartet op.127 from Schott’s in Mainz today, and he gives them a quick review.

Conversation Book 121, 22r-27v.

Unpaid assistant Karl Holz returns from Baden probably today, and they have mid-day dinner together. Beethoven is not happy about the haircut he got on Wednesday, September 13. Holz tells him he instructed the barber to cut it only in the back; he should leave it as it is on the sides.

Uncle Ludwig questions Nephew Karl’s desire to stay with his mother after he is released from the hospital, but before he enters the army. Holz wonders whether it really makes a difference, if she is with him all day through now.

Holz says that the food is so overcooked that it cannot even be cut.

Beethoven asks whether Karl has completed his religious education with the Liguorian priest. Yes, Holz tells him. Karl showed himself so converted that the priest did not think it necessary anymore. “Karl said that he fully expressed his remorse to him.”

Mathias Artaria will come tomorrow morning at 11 o’clock to see Beethoven. He will have the chemical ink with him. [Artaria had mentioned this ink to Beethoven on September 10, Conversation Book 120 at 32r, when he said “Then in the future, everything with chemical ink.” However, exactly what Beethoven intended to use this ink for is unclear.]

Holz complains that his stomach is upset.

Yesterday, Holz saw Adolph Schlesinger at Haslinger’s music shop. Old Steiner [Holz calls him the “old Tobias”] was also there. “I took the opportunity to tell the Jew that he should not count on Beethoven ever laying his hand on the proofs of the re-engraved quartets that were sent. [That is, the quartets sold to Schott’s, op.127; and to Artaria, op.130, would not be available in revised form for Schlesinger’s projected Collected Works of Beethoven.] The two Tobiases were completely moved by this and exclaimed: ‘That is wonderful! That is honorable! That is worthy of a Beethoven!'” Holz is glad that the others were there to witness it. “You would stand in your own way, if you wanted to sell an upcoming work, and the publisher knew that you have offered it in the hands of another one to re-publish them. Who would then publish another work from you with a good conscience? Anyway, the author will almost always be betrayed.”

Holz is further critical of the book-buying public and musical press. “Among 1000 people who read and buy books, barely 50 understand music. The music exchange mainly consists of ephemeral articles; the exchange of the classical articles we will reserve for ourselves for the next century.”

Beethoven asks whether Holz is not in trouble with his new fiancée Elisabeth Bogner for constantly interrupting his time with her to come serve him. Holz jokes, “I told her at once that she must not be jealous; Beethoven is my first wife.”

Holz then tells Beethoven more about his intended. “She has done very much to educate herself; that really speaks in her favor.” She is very domestic. “She herself helps with the washing, even though she does not need to in order to save money. She plays the piano, speaks French, Italian, and English.” Does she play fortepiano, Beethoven asks. “She is only allowed to play piano on me,” Holz jokes, making wordplay that Beethoven probably enjoyed between the musical instrument and musical expression.

Beethoven wishes that he could take as much pleasure in the company of Nephew Karl as Holz does with Elisabeth. Holz tells him, “You can only expect joy from him through a step just as unexpected as this unfortunate case which caused you such pain. Perhaps the military career is the only one where he can become something in a hurry, or can easily perish. Nothing else can be expected on the regular track; maybe it will work to his advantage.” Beethoven doubts that Karl can advance very far since Austria is at peace. Holz answers, “Not in times of peace, but it will not always remain like that.”

Conversation Book 120, 47v-51r. That concludes Conversation Book 120. Conversation Book 121 probably begins being used tomorrow, Friday, September 16. Given the conversation about Elisabeth Bogner, Holz probably returns to Baden bei Wien this afternoon, though he appears to be back in Vienna once again tomorrow.

Art and music dealer A. Pennauer offers for sale the Grande Marche héroïque for piano four hands, on the occasion of the coronation of Nicholas I, Emperor of all the Russias, op.66, by Franz Schubert, as well as the same work arranged for piano solo. Pennauer also offers the Grande Marche funèbre for piano four hands on the occasion of the death of his majesty Alexander I, Emperor of all the Russias, Schubert’s op.55 (also available for piano solo). These works are today catalogued as D.885 and D.859, respectively. The coronation march is here performed by Daejin Kim and Chloe Mun.

He spoke to Stephan von Breuning about the guardianship. He notes that Breuning also had a sad fate with his former guardianship. What happened, Beethoven asks. Holz reluctantly tells him, “A ward shot himself.” Breuning told Holz that “Beethoven is such a good friend that I could give my life for him; but here I do not see how my guardianship can be useful. He said, If I can give advice, then I’ll do that, without being guardian.”

Holz gives Beethoven cigars and handkerchiefs for Karl, and is reimbursed 4 florins (1 for the cigars, 3 for the handkerchiefs).

Holz also reports that he spoke to Baron Stephan von Ertmann yesterday in the City about Nephew Karl. Beethoven does not have to go to him; tomorrow morning, after the review of the troops on the Schmelz parade ground, he will have the honor of visiting the composer. Beethoven asks what he told Ertmann. Holz only said that Beethoven wanted to speak to him about Karl, nothing else. What time will he come, Beethoven asks. “Perhaps at 10 o’clock, perhaps later.” Ertmann is leaving Vienna Saturday [September 16.]

Beethoven is interested in an apartment Holz has found for him in Baden; Holz suggests that it would be best for him to take it on a day-to-day basis.

Holz has to see Dr. Vivenot today, but doesn’t know how long it will take; he would hate for Beethoven to have to wait for him. Holz will make an appointment with the barber today, and then the rest of the errands can be left for tomorrow. Holz mentions that he would have preferred to have become a physician.

Upon Holz’s return, he reports that he has spoken to Stephan von Breuning about Karl’s military service. “He is happy to be able to help you in this situation; he wants to talk to you about it.” But Holz deliberately did not tell Breuning anything about Ertmann’s involvement. “Breuning said that he will certainly see to it that Karl ends up with a colonel, who is his friend.”

Holz stopped by his office, and there was a copyist waiting there for him. Artaria had sent him in order to have the piano reduction of the Grosse Fuge [op.134] copied. Holz says he told him that someone else will have to do the proofreading. Holz also visited the barber and gave him instructions on how Beethoven’s hair is to be cut.

Beethoven goes to get his haircut [it does not suit him, because he complains to Holz the next time he sees him], and then goes to the hospital to visit Nephew Karl. He lets Karl know that he will be seeing Ertmann tomorrow, and that Breuning knows a colonel that might be able to take Karl on. Ertmann does not sound very encouraging, though. Karl asks how long Ertmann will be staying in Vienna. Uncle Ludwig tells him that he is leaving Saturday, the 16th. Karl asks about the regiment whose colonel Breuning knows. Where is it, Karl asks, but Uncle Ludwig doesn’t know. “In any case, you will see what Ertmann says,” Karl writes.

Karl says he will write if he needs anything. But if Uncle Ludwig could send him 1/2 pound of coffee and sugar one of these days, that would make him very happy as he will soon be out of his current stock.

Karl notes that the Archduke is back in Vienna; he read it in the newspapers. [It was announced in the Monday, September 11 Wiener Zeitung.]

Karl suggests that perhaps his uncle could bring Stephan von Breuning along on one of his visits, alone of course. Uncle Ludwig writes in French so as not to be understood by others, “mais il faut, que vous êtes aussi seul.” [But you have to be alone as well. That is, his mother should not be present.] Karl tells him that they will soon learn how quickly his military career can be arranged, and then they can settle it.

Uncle Ludwig starts to speak negatively again about Karl’s mother Johanna, and that she should be kept away, but Karl will have none of it. “I do not want to hear anything about her that is unfavorable to her, and it is absolutely not up to me to judge her. If I were to spend the short time remaining while I am here with her, it would be but a small compensation for all that she has suffered for my sake. Even if it could take place, there would be no question about a negative influence on me because of the short time. But under no circumstances will I treat her colder than was the case earlier, whatever you say.” [Karl here defiantly and definitively choosing his mother over his uncle has to be as hard on Ludwig as Karl’s suicide attempt itself was.]

Uncle Ludwig makes a last halfhearted attempt to convince Karl that, because Ertmann thinks it is difficult to get a position in the army, he should still pursue a business career, perhaps with Maurice Schlesinger in Paris. Karl tells him, “In any case, I have already told you and repeated it that I prefer this career to anything else. Even if things are as Ertmann says, for the time being, times might suddenly change; but this much is certain, that it mostly depends on the owner of a regiment, for instance a colonel, to place and promote according to his wishes. Besides, I know very well that I cannot stay here, and in any event I would not want to under any circumstances. The sooner I get away from here, the better for me.”

Will your mother not prevent you joining the army? Uncle Ludwig asks. “She won’t prevent anything,” Karl answers. “Not if I talk to her about it.” But she will worry about you in the military. “I find it natural that she worries about me, but she won’t be an obstacle. Concerning being with her, I hope that the arrangements will be made (on your part) so that I can leave from here as soon as possible, hence for the final days I cannot deny her the wish to be around me, all the less so as I shall probably not come back here very soon. Of course, this is not an obstacle for us to see each other as often as you wish.”

Uncle Ludwig wants to take steps, perhaps with the doctors, regarding Karl. Karl is exasperated. “I do not understand these precautionary measures when I, as I hope and wish, will leave soon.”

“I only ask you to bring Breuning as soon as you can. He understands these matters best, and will know at once what is to be done.” Karl suggests that Sunday morning [September 17] would be a good time to bring Breuning. “I am always alone then.” Ludwig doesn’t know if Breuning will be available. Karl thought he might have time in the morning. Tired of dealing with his uncle, Karl finally tells him, “You only need to tell me the time,” and the conversation abruptly ends.

Conversation Book 120, 41r-47r.

Holz goes back to Baden to be with his new fiancée Elisabeth and her family. He probably returns to Vienna again tomorrow.

At the Kärntertor Theater, a new ballet, The Sleepwalker, is premiered tonight. This “rural divertissement” is choreographed by Filippo Taglioni (1777-1871), ballet master of the theater, with music by Adalbert Gyrowetz, Kapellmeister. Before the ballet, there is a presentation of various musical pieces, including a violin concerto with polonaise by visiting famous French violinist Jacque Féréol Mazas (1782-1849). “The whole thing opened with Beethoven’s masterpiece, the Overture to Fidelio. Not without some surprise, we saw no Kapellmeister at the podium for this overture; perhaps it seemed too insignificant for an Akademie concert before the ballet? But a Beethoven overture is never and in no way insignificant, and we would have thought that one of the many Kapellmeisters of this stage should certainly have been present at such performances, if nothing more than to observe the respect owed to such creations.” Wiener Zeitschrift for September 23, 1826 (Nr.114) at 916.

“From the post of the steward, which was assigned to you for some time, you have now been raised again to the position of manufacturer of bills of exchange. — farewell, former Tobias juvenis and 2dus, henceforth primus caput Tobias primus —” [the “bi” of the last “Tobias” is underlined three times both here and in the addressee.]

“l. v. Beethoven“

Brandenburg Letter 2198; Anderson Letter 1522. The referenced works include Fidelio, op.72, the cantata Der glorreiche Augenblick, op.136, and a number of English songs. The original of the letter is held in the Berlin Staatsbibliothek (Grasnick 35,12). The registration mark on the letter states “Beethoven 1826. Vienna recd. 12 Sept. answd.” It seems likely that Beethoven’s messenger is Holz, back from Baden for the day to take care of things for Beethoven, since from his comments in the conversation book it’s clear that he visited Haslinger’s music shop today.

After delivering the letter, Holz tells Beethoven that Haslinger sends his greetings; Tobias was delighted that Beethoven honored him with a letter again. But Haslinger is unwilling to comply with Beethoven’s request. “He says it would cast a strange light on him, if he were to give away your works.” If Beethoven wants something to be changed, just to change it, Haslinger will gladly pay Beethoven whatever the Jew [Adolph Schlesinger] is paying. “If you want it, he can publish it straight away.” Haslinger will also bring the revised title leaf for the Terzet, Tremate, empi Tremate op.116. “He said that he only now can no longer withhold the fact that the incorrect title leaves did not originate from him.” But Haslinger insists that no publisher will give up their works by Beethoven for a complete edition. Haslinger would gladly help Beethoven so that he does not end up at a disadvantage, since that is also for his own benefit.

Beethoven brings up the marches that are intended as a gift to the King of Prussia, and asks whether Berlin publisher Adolph Schlesinger will pay him for them. Holz clarifies that it is the King who will remunerate for them, not the publisher, because the entire march collection is only for the royal military music.

Concerning the complete edition, Schlesinger had various suggestions; “when it came to the money, he said that for the mere revision and correction of proofs for all known works up till now, 10,000 florins C.M.” What about Haslinger’s pieces that have not been published, including Fidelio? “He thought 1600 ducats; this is about 7,000 florins C.M.” But it seemed as if he might eventually engage himself in it, especially when Holz told him about other offers, and he said that also to the old man [Sigmund A. Steiner, Haslinger’s retired partner, who nevertheless still seems to be active in the business]. Holz did manage to squeeze one concession out of Schlesinger: if Tendler charges a banking fee for the 80 ducats deposited for the quartet op.135, that should be reported to him at once, and he will reimburse it from Berlin. Holz told him that for this sum, Beethoven would rather write 2 operas. “I was very glad that you were not present; I felt ashamed on his behalf. He did disclose to me how it should be initiated. We can make good use of that with someone else.” They will need to talk to Haslinger about it. “For now, Tobias will give us good advice, I am convinced of that.”

“Apart from that, he [Haslinger] also has a personal interest in you. He was extremely delighted with your letter. At least Tobias will advise in such a way that your benefit and your honor will not be jeopardized, which one cannot take too much care of, with the Jewish foul play.”

Beethoven asks what needs to be done to draw up the contracts. Holz tells him they have to have two witnesses sign, and a lawyer must confirm Beethoven’s signature. Schlesinger told Holz to make the arrangements with the attorney. He will need to be paid what he demands. Holz suggests going to Walcha, the notary for the Kinsky estate.

“Schlesinger complained bitterly that Artaria did not cede the quartet [op.130] that was meant for France to him. I told him not to expect these quartets [that are being published in Paris by Schlesinger’s son Maurice] ever to be corrected, except the A minor quartet [op.132]. Beethoven wants to make sure that he is not charged for the banking fee, and that Schlesinger covers it. Holz assures him that will also happen. “He just asks you to accept the 360 florins C.M. [the equivalent of 80 ducats, the price for the op.135 quartet] for now, and to let him know about the rest, which will then be sent by express post.”

Now, as to Nephew Karl. Beethoven asks when he can see pianist Dorothea von Ertmann’s husband, Stephan, about getting Karl into a military position. The Ertmanns intend to leave on Friday, September 15. [Their departure ends up being put off one day, to September 16.] Dorothea expressed an interest in hearing some of Beethoven’s quartets, so Holz could arrange a concert here one of the coming evenings [Wednesday the 13th or Thursday the 14th], when it will be most convenient for Ludwig to speak to him about Karl. Beethoven asks when Schlesinger is leaving; and Holz tells him next Tuesday morning [September 19]. He wants to see Beethoven again. He also wants those canons for the Berliner allgemeine musikalische Zeitung. Holz told him that Beethoven had not yet had a chance to get to them. Schlesinger served Holz wine and veal schnitzel. Steiner said that people at the inns during fairs always stand up when Schlesinger joins a company, or they throw him out without ceremony. [The proposed quartet concert does not seem to have occurred.]

There is still a lot of proofreading to be done, Beethoven cautions. Holz agrees, “Proofreading is not a joke.”

Schlesinger likes the idea of an order being granted by the King to Beethoven; he wants a privilege from every court, both for his earlier and later works. However, Holz answered him straight away that no publisher would be willing to pay Beethoven a reasonable fee, if he knows that the work will be copied in the Oevres complets. This would of course only be a disadvantage for his later works.

“At first he said that a privilege had to be applied for, which would provide that Beethoven’s works may not be bought separately, but as a collection, without harming the previous publishers. Later he trapped himself when he said the complete edition must be arranged in batches, so that one does not have to buy what he does not need. If he goes on about this again, I’ll say 3000 ducats [presumably for the additional works], no question about that. For the whole, more than 12,000 florins C.M., and every argument will cost him another 1,000 florins.”

Beethoven says Schlesinger will try to satisfy him by saying he deserves honors. Holz agrees, Schlesinger said that, but Holz says he told him, “Beethoven does not need that anymore; he has disdained money for a long time, and only writes for the honor of it; now the time has come for his honor to earn some money.”

Holz has to leave. Beethoven wants Holz to speak to Stephan von Breuning as well about taking on Karl’s guardianship, and getting Karl a military appointment. Holz assures him that he will come back to Vienna tomorrow morning on the 6 o’clock coach and talk to him then. Holz then returns to Baden to spend the rest of the day with his new fiancée Elisabeth Bogner and her family.

Conversation Book 120, 34r-41r.

Under our proposed chronology, Holz goes back to Baden today, but he will likely make a quick return to Vienna tomorrow. Since he intends to stay in Baden for a longer time, he now appears in the register of visitors to Baden as of today. Baden Cur- und Fremdenliste for September 11, 1826, Nr.86, at 2367. Visitors to Baden were required to register if they were staying for 5 days or more.

Beethoven visits Nephew Karl in the hospital, either yesterday or today. Karl believes that in a couple of weeks he will be completely recovered. “The doctor cannot say anything more definite than that. Then the arrangements can be made.” Uncle Ludwig asks whether he has read all the books that he brought for him. Yes, he has already read it all but is well supplied now from the library. Karl asks when his uncle will talk to Ertmann about securing him a spot in the army. Uncle Ludwig is unsure as to how much assistance Ertmann can be. Karl is convinced that he can certainly do a lot, whether directly or indirectly. The owner of each regiment has the right to choose officers according to his own judgment, up through majors. “There will be no obstacles to my entering as a cadet, I know that for sure.” Uncle Ludwig continues to have misgivings about Karl’s career choice.

Conversation Book 120, 33v-34r.

But Holz has news of his own: He got engaged while he in the country. He says that “I got stuck in Baden! [Ich bin in Baden hängen geblieben!] It is a daughter [Elisabeth Maria] from the house in Döbling by the broker Bogner….It is the same woman who had the misfortune with Drouet. She is not beautiful, but very domestic and very educated. He [Drouet] was already married when he proposed to her.” Beethoven asks whether Baden is very crowded now. Holz tells him that it is rather empty. He had a nice room in the Sauerhof inn. He also spent time at the Casino and in the Redoutensaal in Baden, which are excellent establishments, but they have particularly bad wine. He has had better and less expensive food at a simple inn in Merkenstein than he could get anywhere in Baden. Beethoven asks about Holz’s visit to Merkenstein. “I visited Merkenstein for the first time; I was delighted and kept singing your song Merkenstein wherever I wandered, pp. [Merkenstein was a poem by J.B. Rupprecht about the castle ruin of Merkenstein, set by Beethoven in 1814 for a solo voice, WoO 144, and as a duet, op.100.]

Merkenstein, WoO 144 is here sung by tenor Vincent Lièvre-Picard, with Jean-Pierre Armengaud on piano:

Beethoven asks what he should request from Schlesinger for the cantata Saul. Holz tells him 600 ducats, and that should be included in the declaration. They can show Schlesinger the program, so he will see that it is going to be a major work, and not some short cantata.

Then there is the matter of repurchasing from Tobias Haslinger the pieces Beethoven had sold to Steiner, but were never published. These included among others Fidelio, op.72; the Six Bagatelles op.126; and 12 English songs. Holz says he will approach Tobias about that today. He asks if Beethoven remembers what was paid for these works.

Beethoven tells Holz that Artaria approached him about the idea to treat the Grosse Fuge as its own work, and that he should write a new finale for the quartet op.130. After consideration, Beethoven agrees this is the proper way to handle the work, and tells Holz to advise Artaria accordingly. He also wants some more copies of the lithograph of the Stieler portrait of himself.

Beethoven would like to spend some time in Baden soon. If it comes to that, Holz hopes he can get one or two days off so he can visit him in Baden.

Holz runs errands, visiting Schlesinger and Mathias Artaria, before returning to Beethoven’s apartment. [Holz does not appear to see Haslinger until later.] Schlesinger told him that it would be good if Beethoven were to write a short letter to accompany the marches that Beethoven has promised to send to the King of Prussia [WoO 19, 20, and 24.] King Friedrich Wilhelm III has these marches given to Schlesinger to publish in collections, and no others may appear in them. “Everyone says that they only publish your works for the honor of owning something by you.” Beethoven expresses his annoyance at this; then they wouldn’t want a second piece from him. Holz tries to back that statement off. “If this were the case, why would Schott want a second quartet? He already has the honor of the first one [op.127].”

Schlesinger would also like some canons, which he would like to take along with him to Berlin. [These would presumably then be published in the Berliner allgemeine musikalische Zeitung, which Schlesinger printed.]

Artaria was delighted that Beethoven accepted his proposal about splitting the Grosse Fuge off into a separate piece. That gives him two separate works, which will be more in demand and he will gain very much by this. No copies of the lithograph of the Stieler portrait are available anymore, however.

Holz mentions that there was a musical Akademie at which Frau Schechner sang. But it was all works by Rossini and his imitators. Holz calls it boring.

Beethoven tells Holz that he intends to visit Nephew Karl in the hospital and make payments. Holz asks him what he is paying for at the hospital. Beethoven may visit Karl today or tomorrow, but in any event, Holz does not accompany him to see Karl. The visit to Karl will be covered in the entry for tomorrow, September 11.

Conversation Book 120, 28v-33r.

The Wiener Zeitung of September 22, 1826 (Nr.217) at 917 [reprinted in the Brünner Zeitung of September 25, 1826 (Nr.264) at 1126] notes that Beethoven’s patron Archduke Rudolph today contributes 1000 Scudi to Cardinal Galeffi of the Papal States for the maintenance and restoration of the so-called small Temple of Bramante, which Ferdinand of Austria, King of Spain [Ferdinand II of Aragon] had built in the courtyard of the Franciscan monastery of San Pietro di Montorio, the spot where tradition held that the Prince of the Apostles [Saint Peter] had been crucified. “This beautiful, remarkable monument had suffered much from time and weather.”