Beethoven writes two columns of numbers, consisting of the numbers 6 and 12. Karl observes that it has been rainy all day, so the linens will dry slowly. In the late morning, Nephew Karl notes that Brother Johann has not yet sent his “splendid dish” that he promised yesterday. Perhaps …
Conversation Book 82 starts being used today. It is quite short, with only 16 leaves, all of which have writing. Schindler dated this book to Winter 1826 but he is clearly off by a year. Brother Johann and Nephew Karl go to the Schuppanzigh Quartet concert today at 4:30, with …
Beethoven is in high spirits this morning and writes a letter that includes a comical biography of his friend Tobias Haslinger to the Schott publishing house in Mainz. But first, business must be addressed: “On January 16th, both works [the Missa Solemnis and Ninth Symphony] were delivered to Friess [Schott’s …
Nephew Karl is at Beethoven’s apartment this morning. He notes that the flour, which was out there, is used up. They seem to be having an issue with former housekeeper Barbara Holzmann, perhaps gossiping about them. Karl says, “Even if she hadn’t given us any evidence that she is against …
The first public announcement of Beethoven’s new quartet, op.127, is given today in the Theaterzeitung, Nr.9 at 36. “Musical Notice. The famous composer Herr Schuppanzigh, whose excellent achievements have often been discussed in these pages with well-deserved distinction, and who is increasingly establishing his reputation in the musical world, will, …
A new maid starts working for Beethoven today. She is willing to carry wood and water. The housekeeper immediately hired her, otherwise the previous maid would have had to be extended another 14 days. Along with her “bread money,” she gets paid 7 florins 56 kreutzers. Conversation Book 81, 23r-22v. …
Brother Johann stops by Steiner’s music shop and talks to Tobias Haslinger, who shows him the letter from Johann Reinhold Schultz, written in December from London, asking whether he might have the publishing rights to Consecration of the House. Johann will be interested in selling this Overture to a new …
Nephew Karl writes out for his uncle what the meals today will be: mid-day dinner is leg of veal, and poultry for the evening meal. This displeases Ludwig, for Karl jokingly writes in French, “Quel triste visage!” [What a sad face!] Karl totals up for his uncle the money that …
The copying and proofreading of the engraver’s copy of the Missa Solemnis and Ninth Symphony finally completed, Beethoven will later today turn the scores over to Fries & Co. These scores will be forwarded by them to Schott in Mainz for publication, and this starts the clock ticking for Beethoven …
Now that the proofreading of the scores for Schott is finished, Ludwig can give more attention to the finishing touches on the new quartet, op.127. This morning, the new housekeeper stops by Karl’s apartment to tell him that she would like Uncle Ludwig to give her the money for shopping …
Nephew Karl and Brother Johann appear to go with Ludwig to the Fries banking institution to make sure that they are ready to accept the scores of the Ninth Symphony and Missa Solemnis (which are very nearly in final form), and to hand over the bills of exchange from Schott’s. …
Brother Johann comes to the apartment, probably in the late morning or early afternoon. Ludwig is having trouble with his eyes again. Johann offers to have his bottle of eyewash refilled. Ludwig doesn’t want him to take it, possibly concerned about contamination. Johann says he’ll bring one tomorrow in another …
The “old woman,” Barbara Holzmann, declares that the new housekeeper has arrived and is ready to take over. Holzmann will be returning to the St. Marx Spital home for the aged poor. She has to go there today, because it’s already the 11th and her leave expires today. She offers, …
Nephew Karl mentions that violinist Ignaz Schuppanzigh will be coming to the apartment this afternoon, but he is giving lessons until 2 o’clock, so it will be after that. Schuppanzigh, as usual, refers to Beethoven in the third person, which we overlook here. Schuppanizgh eventually arrives, and Beethoven outlines the …
Beethoven is fretting about money and decides to ask for a short term loan from his friend, Tobias Haslinger at the Steiner music shop. Nephew Karl suggests that Ludwig write a few lines himself. Uncle Ludwig does not want to, and Karl says, “It’s from you, Good Fellow!” He adds …
Nephew Karl and Brother Johann are at Beethoven’s apartment today. The housekeeper, Barbara Holzmann, asks that in the future she be given money before she goes, because it is difficult for her to lay out her own money. The three Beethovens continue to discuss the possibilities of a trip to …
Beethoven receives the letter from Charles Neate inviting him to come to London, and saying the London Philharmonic Society will pay him 300 guineas to cover his expenses. Ludwig shows the letter to Nephew Karl, saying that Brother Johann would surely approve of it as a money-making venture. Karl tells …
Conversation Book 80 starts being used today. Unfortunately, the book came apart at some point, and was rebound with the pages out of order. We have followed the tentative reconstruction of the German editors as well as the chronology of Professor Albrecht. The book today contains 20 leaves, though some …
Prince Nikolai Galitzin writes to Beethoven today from St. Petersburg. In response to Beethoven’s letter of December 18, he has ordered “the sum of 50 ducats in Hamburg marks” as the fee for the first quartet that was composed on his commission (op.127). He asks that the score be sent …
The January issue of the London musical journal the Harmonicon, Nr.XXV at 10 gives a little preview in its Miscellaneous column of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, not yet heard in Britain: “The new (Ninth) Symphony of Beethoven, composed for, and now in the possession of, the Philharmonic Society, is characterized, in …