BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Tuesday, September 30, 1823

Today’s Wiener Zeitung at 911 contains an update regarding the papal conclave in Rome as of September 17th. The French King’s ambassador in Rome has received two letters, one a response to the news that Pope Pius VII had died, and the second a letter addressed to the conclave. He wishes to present these letters on the 14th of September at 6 p.m. The cardinals assembled at the Quirinal Palace, as did troops, guards, and wind bands, which latter played musical works to the assembled throngs. Upon the ambassador’s arrival, the letters were read aloud to the cardinals. What did the letters say? Ah, we must wait for tomorrow’s Wiener Zeitung, where the report is continued!