BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Sunday, March 13, 1825

The conversation books resume again today, with Conversation Book 85. This is a rather thick volume of 47 leaves, all of which bear writing. The pages of this volume unfortunately were bound out of order. Alfred Ebert in Die Musik 9 pp.42-63 and 90-106 (1910) made a substantial analysis of the pages of this conversation book, and deciphered the likely chronology. This chronology has been further fine-tuned by Professor Theodore Albrecht in his forthcoming English language translation, and he has once again very kindly shared his writings and research on the matter with us for this feature.

Brother Johann and Nephew Karl attend the Schuppanzigh Quartet concert held today at 4:30 p.m. at the Musikverein’s hall. Schuppanzigh is very unhappy, Johann says. [Ludwig did not authorize him to give a repeat performance of the quartet op.127 at today’s concert as an attempt to remedy the disastrous premiere last Sunday, March 6. From context, Schuppanizgh seems to have made at least an unofficial announcement that he would be giving a second performance of the quartet today, and that did not happen, resulting in further damage to his reputation.]

Violinist Joseph Mayseder (1789-1863) approached Johann today at the concert about being able to play it once, with Joseph Merk as cellist. He would like to perform the quartet in public before a very large audience. Ludwig does not catch the name, and Johann repeats, “Mayseder.”

Ludwig’s stomach is bothering him again. Johann suggests that he starve himself somewhat, and have a glass of good wine, without water. [Johann repeatedly has chastised Ludwig for drinking too much water. Ludwig’s stomach will become increasingly problematic over the coming weeks.]

Nephew Karl gets a message, probably from Steiner’s music shop, that another violinist, Joseph Böhm, is requesting he be allowed to give the quartet for a concert. “They are scrambling to get it.” Steiner has already reserved 6 or 7 tickets on the premise that Böhm will get to play it. Beethoven’s friend Tobias Haslinger, who was at the premiere last Sunday, will not be able to attend since he has to mind the store.

Ludwig is probably amused at the idea of three of the most prominent violinists in Vienna vying to play his new quartet, especially after the problematic premiere last week. Ludwig opts in favor of Böhm, who as professor of violin at the Vienna Conservatory of Music would probably be the most prestigious name, and asks Karl and Johann to visit Böhm tomorrow to let him know and make the financial arrangements.

Conversation Book 85, 44r-45r.