BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Saturday, November 16, 1822

The legal notice summoning Beethoven’s former unpaid assistant Franz Oliva for overstaying his passport to Russia, seen in Wednesday’s newspaper, is reprinted today in the Wiener Zeitung at p.432. Possibly the repeated mentions of Oliva in the newspaper suggested to Beethoven that he could use another such assistant. The composer’s unhappiness with the apartment that brother Johann obtained for him, and Johann’s lack of musical knowledge or taste, may lead Ludwig to the conclusion that Johann is not fit for that role, even though Ludwig nevertheless values his input on business matters. In any event, around this time Beethoven takes on Anton Schindler in this role of factotum.

At page 1056, Cappi and Diabelli announces the publication of yet another new work by Beethoven’s former pupil Carl Czerny, Grand Concerto for piano and orchestra, op.28, dedicated to Johann Nepomuk Hummel, kapellmeister of Weimar and longtime friend of Beethoven. Cappi & Diabelli also offers the work for piano with string quartet accompaniment and for two pianos. Cappi & Diabelli further hypes the piece:

“The name of the generally popular composer Mr. Carl Czerny is a thorough guarantee of innate value. We only have to add that this concerto is one of the most brilliant and graceful, without being excessively difficult, and we hope the artistic public circles will be able to enjoy this most interesting work as may be played by virtuosi of every rank.”