BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Wednesday, August 2, 1820 (approximately)

Archduke Rudolph writes to Beethoven, expressing his intention to come visit the composer in Mödling. Judging from Beethoven’s response tomorrow, Rudolph would like to resume his composition lessons. Rudolph’s letter is lost and is known only from Beethoven’s letter in return.

The Archduke had not seen Beethoven since March 6, when he left Vienna to be installed as the Archbishop of Olmütz. (The still only half-complete Missa Solemnis was originally intended to be used for that occasion). He was therefore no doubt anxious to take up where he left off with Beethoven.

Portrait of Archduke Rudolph attributed to Johann Baptist Lampi the Elder (1751-1830).