BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Wednesday, August 21, 1822

The Leipzig Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung no.34 at col. 559-560 today contains a report of the preceding concert season in Zurich, with several Beethoven works making an appearance. Casimir von Blumenthal from Vienna has been the leader of the local orchestra, and not only is he a fine conductor, but he is also a violin virtuoso. At his benefit concert [held on an unspecified date] he played Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D. The winter concerts “opened with Beethoven’s great symphony in A, the successful performance of which the orchestra certified its diligence and newly-established precision.” The Mass in C, op.86, was performed in the fourth concert, held during the week of Christmas. Another benefit concert included Beethoven’s Septet op.20 in the second part.