BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Saturday, August 23, 1823

Uncle Ludwig responds to Karl in Vienna today. He had sent the money previously; perhaps they are mixed up with other papers. The 31 florins for Schindler are to be computed on his receipt thusly: 50 florins that were agreed to be paid for his work on the subscriptions, less 10 florins for the “household of the Barons” [Schindler had borrowed 10 florins from the housekeeper of Baron Prónay in Hetzendorf] less 9 florins “for my household” [Schindler had apparently borrowed 9 florins from Barbara Holzmann] giving a net result of 31 florins to be paid to him. Beethoven notes that Schindler only spent one day in Baden with him, to find an apartment. He slept at Hetzendorf that night, and then in the morning he returned to the Josephstadt where he works. [Schindler had apparently suggested to Karl that he deserved to be paid for that trip, and Ludwig is minimizing his efforts.] But Ludwig instructs Karl not to engage in gossip at Schindler’s expense, which might cause him injury. It is punishment enough that he is how he is, and “his evil, rascally character requires that you treat him seriously.” [Although Beethoven wants nothing to do with Schindler, he appears to recognize that his former unpaid assistant is in a position to do great harm to Beethoven’s reputation in Vienna, which probably explains why paying Schindler his due is made a priority.]

Ludwig suggests that if Karl does not absolutely need to have his laundry done, he can just bring it along when he arrives back in Vienna on the 29th. If Karl were to send it now, it would not be back in time for Karl’s examinations that begin on the 26th. Maybe just give the servant a pair of breeches that could be washed quickly there.

Uncle Ludwig remembers that Karl wanted the text on ancient mythology by August Heinrich Petiscus. If he is necessary then Karl shall have him. “God never forsakes us, although the expenses are high right now.” Karl needs to remember that they need to do whatever final settlement must be done with Blöchlinger, so there isn’t some delay in Karl returning to Baden with him on the 29th. So far as Blöchlinger’s servant is concerned, they can discuss it when they are together.

Things are not working out with the “old woman,” Barbara Holzmann, who can no longer see, smell or taste any more, meaning that his stomach is always at risk. The old woman needs help, but the maid that he used to have is a great swine. At least the manservant has a place to live and work, but he should keep them apprised of where he is. A kitchen maid costs 10 gulden 44 kreuzer per month, or 128 florins 48 kreuzer per year. A manservant would be 20 florins per month, plus boot money and clothes. If the old woman stays, they will need someone to help her as well.

Ludwig’s health is better now, but he’s still not as good as he used to be. “Farewell, for the day-to-day exhausts me. All the best to you, my dear son. Your old teacher [Carl] Czerny is here; I will be having dinner with him tomorrow. You can find many interesting people here.” [Beethoven spells Czerny’s name “Zcerni.”]

Brandenburg Letter 1735, Anderson Letter 1233. The original is held by the Vienna City and State Library (I.N. 43026).