BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Sunday, May 22, 1825

True to his word, Nephew Karl comes to visit his Uncle Ludwig in Baden bei Wien today. Uncle Ludwig is still unhappy that Karl didn’t return with him yesterday in the carriage. “I already told you recently how much time it takes for the activities that I must undertake now. I don’t only have to study the subjects that will be covered at the Institute, but also make up those that have been covered in the earlier sequence of courses, and must therefore spend time on them. Otherwise it is impossible for me to make any progress and the outcome will again be poor. I know that no one insists as much as you that I become qualified to pass in the shortest amount of time, but also time and rest are required.”

Uncle Ludwig repeats that Karl can study here with him. “It is not as easy as you believe for me to study here. I need so many things for the various subjects that I can’t bring all of them with me. Besides, it is still much too cold here to write for several hours, which I could do in my own room. That is why I did not come yesterday, and I myself told people that I would drive out here today.”

Karl adds in the margin, “I will always be able to come out 1 time per week.” The light carriage can be taken back and forth; it comes to Baden early and evenings goes back in, every Sunday. He has reserved a seat to return to Vienna.

Ludwig asks about Karl’s schedule. “On two days, Tuesday and Friday, the schools already begin at 8 o’clock. Market research is the class.”

Reisser, the vice-director of the Polytechnic and Karl’s co-guardian, introduced him to Prof. Ignaz Sonnleithner as well as other professors. Because Karl’s name was naturally conspicuous, Sonnleithner said Karl should greet Uncle Ludwig on his behalf, since he has known you for many years. Uncle Ludwig doesn’t remember him. Karl clarifies that he’s an old man; he’s been a professor for 25 years. The book on Exchange Law was written by him. Karl only spoke to him the one time.

They go wine shopping. Gainfahrner wine is only 1 florin, though Karl believes they charge extra for the bottles.

Uncle Ludwig asks about Reisser as a professor. He’s good. He teaches only geography and history. While he may not be any great intellect, he’s very skillful as a school teacher. “For the most part, he is occupied with the lower school.”

Uncle Ludwig asks what Sonnleithner is like. Karl confides that he speaks very freely about the government, but almost always covertly.

[Barbara Holzmann’s leave time away from the Spital may be drawing to a close.] Karl assures his uncle that he will look around for a well-organized housekeeper.

Conversation Book 89, 18r-20v. Karl returns to Vienna this evening. There are no conversation book entries for the next two days.