BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Friday, August 1, 1823 (approximately)

About this time, Beethoven writes a short undated note to Schindler, forwarding the packet with the Missa Solemnis and a certified copy of Archduke Rudolph’s testimonial to the Russian Embassy. He asks that Schindler take care of it right away. But why do they want Beethoven to visit in person? It wounds him that they distrust him. [The Russians may have heard from Prince Hatzfeld about the Prussian anger over paying for the Mass and not receiving it yet.] “Thank God I am able to prove that I don’t deserve this, and that my honor does not suffer either.”

Brandenburg Letter 1720, Anderson Letter 1263. The original is held by the Berlin Staatsbibliothek (aut. 36,35a).