BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Tuesday, August 12, 1823

Beethoven is busily getting ready for his move to Baden bei Wien tomorrow. But before he leaves the City, he makes sure to get one of the completed copies of the Missa Solemnis sent off to the Ludwig I, Grand Duke of Hesse, in order to avoid them demanding their money back. The plan to include three new movements with the Mass as a possible supplement is falling by the wayside. Grand Duke Ludwig was one of the first subscribers, back in February, so it is reasonable that he gets one of the earliest copies.