Although I did not deny the suicide attempt, I did my best to play it down, dismissing the incident as but another example of a lovelorn youth imitating Werther.
I have no idea whether he believed me or, indeed, whether he plans to take further steps.
He might do one of several things—But it’s useless to anticipate his action.
“Influence him” in what way?
I would say that von Stutterheim, not unlike many others, has an amateur’s love of music.
No doubt he would be greatly flattered, nay more, thunderstruck!
Are you sure you wish to make such a princely gesture?
Well and good, but do not act in haste; I urge you to sleep on it.
• • •
Great Maestro, I sincerely hope that your change of heart has nothing to do with my calling Wolfmayer a draper.
I know better than to make the same mistake twice; the letter will of course go to Schotts.
VIENNA, MARCH 10, 1827
Gentlemen!
According to my letter the quartet was to be dedicated to someone whose name I had already sent you. But something has happened which has decided me to make an alteration in this respect. The quartet must now be dedicated to the Lieutenant Field-Marshal Baron von Stutterheim to whom I am indebted for many kindnesses. If you have perhaps already engraved the first dedication, I beg you for Heaven’s sake to alter it, and I will gladly compensate you for the expense of doing so. Do not treat my remarks as empty promises. Indeed this matter is of such importance to me that I will gladly and readily reimburse you to any extent whatever.
I enclose the title.
As for the parcel to my friend, the Royal Prussian Regierungsrat von Wegeler at Coblenz, I am delighted to be able to relieve you entirely of this commission. For an opportunity has been found to dispatch everything to him direct.
My health, which will not be restored for a very long time, requires that you should send me the wines I asked you for. They will certainly bring me refreshment, invigoration and good health.
I remain, Sir, with most sincere regards, your most devoted
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
Great Maestro, in order to make amends you might consider dedicating the quartet in F to Wolfmayer.
I believe that Schlesinger owns it.
I still have time to take it down, unless you are too tired.
Then by all means rest, there is no pressing urgency to write the letter today.
• • •
Dear Tone Poet,
Look for me at about three o’clock this afternoon.
Your faithful
MALFATTI
• • •
Great Maestro, even though he hasn’t been here all week, rest assured that Malfatti is fully aware of your suffering.
I very much doubt that he has hit upon a new prescription. On the other hand, perhaps he has, I mean, hit upon something that may at least alleviate these terrible attacks of pain.
With Malfatti there is always the possibility of miracles.
Since it is now 2:45 you will soon have your answer.
• • •
Beethoven, I am deeply sorry to find you in this grievous state.
I have in fact brought you something which, though in no wise a new prescription, will surely ease your suffering.
Gumpoldskirchner, it’s the best wine available for the frozen punch.
You overstate my generosity, I have brought but two bottles.
I do indeed remember my original prescription; unfortunately it is impossible to obtain a genuine Moselle in Vienna.
I hope you will enjoy it. To that end I am setting aside all restrictions on the quantity: from now on you may have more than one glass a day.
Or even three if you like, as long as you do not overdo it. You yourself must be the judge of that.
Believe me when I say that they are being set aside not because you are dying but because you are suffering. As your doctor, let alone your friend, I will not have you languish in pain.
As soon as you like. You may have a glass forthwith.
I have already rung for her.
Well then, when she comes I will tell her that Schindler is not to touch the Gumpoldskirchner.
• • •
Brother, I am in fact in pleasurable suspension—not unlike yourself.
In my case it has nothing to do with Gumpoldskirchner.
Presumably you mean to tell me now where the bank shares are hidden.
Then why did you send for me?
Well, that at least is something.
Relations between you and our sister-in-law are too delicate for such offhand behavior—you would do better to write her a note.
Because it’s better form.
Clearly you are too inebriated for me to argue the point—I’ll transmit the invitation verbally.
• • •
Great Maestro, since we still have time let us finish the letter to Moscheles.
You had just expressed your conviction that with the help of Smart and Stumpff etc. the Phil. Soc. would come to your aid.
On February 27th I underwent a fourth operation; and already there are visible signs again that I must soon undergo a fifth. What is to be the end of it all? And what is to become of me, if my illness persists for some time?—Truly my lot is a very hard one! However, I am resigned to accept whatever Fate may bring; and I only continue to pray that God in His divine wisdom may so order events that as long as I have to endure this living death, I may be protected from want. This would give me sufficient strength to bear my lot, however difficult and terrible it may prove to be, with a feeling of submission to the will of the Almighty.
So, my dear Moscheles, I again ask you to deal with this matter which concerns me; and I remain with my most cordial regards ever
your friend
L. V. BEETHOVEN
P.S. Hummel is here and has already visited me a few times.
Great Maestro, may I enclose a brief note with the letter?
Nothing more than my greetings.
My dear Moscheles,
Hummel and his wife came here hurriedly in order to see Beethoven while he is still alive, for it is reported in Germany that he is on his deathbed. It was a most touching sight last Thursday to witness the reunion of these two old friends.
In haste, yours
SCHINDLER
• • •
Great Maestro, good news! Mr. Rau of the banking house of Eskeles is here.
He is the major-domo of Baron Eskeles. Indeed, was it not the Baron who originally advised you to purchase the bank shares?
The Almighty works in mysterious ways. Rau, you see, is also a friend of Moscheles, to say nothing of mine; thus I suspect that his visit relates in some way to the Phil. Soc.
I’ll show him in.
• • •
Venerated Composer, I am truly sorry to find you in such poor health.
And to think that I, who live in Vienna, knew nothing of your illness nor of your privation, whereas Mr. Moscheles, who lives in London, knew everything.
His letter just arrived this morning. The moment I finished perusing it, I left the bank and came here straightway.
But there was also mention of a letter to you. Have you not received it?
It will likely be delivered tomorrow.
In short, at a meeting held on February 28th the directors of the Philharmonic Society resolved to send you, through the good offices of Mr. Moscheles, a long overdue benefaction. You are to receive as a loan the sum of 100 pounds sterling (1000 gulden) to provide whatever necessities and comforts you may find wanting.
Shall I step out for a moment?
Rest assured that I am not embarrassed; however, I do not wish to intrude.
Words are unnecessary, your tears acknowledge all.
Excuse me but I do not follow you. What is for your nephew?
I asked only because you mentioned him.
Then let us continue.
When I write to Mr. Moscheles I will certainly relate your deep-felt expressions of gratitude. As for the money, you will have it first thing in the morning.
Well and good. On the other hand you might prefer to take only half of it tomorrow and leave the rest with the Baron. It is after all quite a large sum to have lying about the apartment.
If 500 will not suffice, by all means take the 1000; the money is yours to do with as you please. I can only hope that it will bring you swift relief or, better still, an unforeseen recovery.
One can never tell—Dr. Malfatti is a very clever physician.
I shall return in the morning. Meanwhile may heaven be with you.
• • •
Venerated Composer, good morning. Clearly your housekeeper is extremely upset.
Did it burst while you were sleeping?
Has Dr. Malfatti been informed?
Do you not think he ought to be?
After such a mishap, it is a wonder to find you in such good cheer.
Why do you say thanks to me?
Ah, but of course! Then do let us proceed. On behalf of Mr. Moscheles and the Philharmonic Society of London, it gives me great satisfaction to present you with this timely relief.
Further, I must trouble you for your signature on this receipt.
Thank you kindly, but I suspect that the messenger of the gods was a good deal more fleet than I am.
Before departing I urge you, if only for my own peace of mind, to let me apprise Dr. Malfatti of what has happened.
Believe me, it is no trouble; I shall take a cab there and back.
That is most kind of you; however, you are not to spend the money on anyone but yourself. What is more, you may be sure that the Baron will reimburse me for the cab.
• • •
Venerated Composer, I am delighted to report that when I told Dr. Malfatti what had happened, he welcomed the news.
Evidently it spares you for the present the necessity of having another operation. What is more, he said that he will now contrive to keep the wound open so that the fluid can drain freely.
He surmises that the rupture was brought on by your sense of financial relief.
Believe me, it was no trouble. Now, however, I must return to the bank.
Please do not mention it; I am deeply honored to have been of service to you.
• • •
Brother, it goes without saying that I’m pleased as punch to hear of your good fortune; yet to hear of it from a virtual stranger while finishing off a piece of business, however profitable, is downright embarrassing.
May I know how much you received?
A rather tidy sum, to say the least.
Doctors’ fees aside, on what do you plan to spend it?
But since you have difficulty chewing beef it’s idle to speak of it. You’ll just have to settle for a nice piece of fish.
I saw some pike-perch in the market yesterday—they looked delicious; so, too, did the salmon trout.
No, but I did spot a string of plump quail.
Edibles aside, on what else do you plan to spend the funds?
I understand—for a rainy day, so to speak.
Well, I needn’t tell you how much good it does my heart to see you this happy—Perhaps you are more inclined now to reveal the whereabouts of the bank shares.
By God, I’m sick of hearing that! With your newly acquired wealth you ought to buy a parrot and have it trained to say, “There is one who knows.” Adieu!
• • •
Great Maestro, I know without asking that Rau has been here.
Because I haven’t seen you so care-free since Malfatti first prescribed the frozen punch. Besides, I encountered your brother in the entrance hall.
Needless to say he is searching for the bank shares.
Pay no attention. You may not be able to chew beefsteak but you surely can manage ragout, not to mention ox-tongue and sweetbreads and liver, etc.
If they were in the market yesterday, they will likely be found there tomorrow. What could be more appetizing than a couple of quail for Sunday dinner.
In that case I’ll also tell her to keep an eye out for pike-perch and salmon trout. And while we are on the subject let us not forget wine.
It occurs to me that you might want to replenish your store of Gumpoldskirchner.
I beg your pardon but I never even tasted it. I speak of it now simply because you were so enamored of the bottles Malfatti brought. Besides, it would go especially well with the fish.
But I’m content with whatever you serve me.
All joking aside, the most ordinary table wine
Believe me, I would be more than
Do let us drop the subject.—When Schubert was here, and afterwards Hummel, you were greatly embarrassed, and rightly so, by the condition of your easy chair. Frankly, this one is ready for the junk heap.
Hardly an amenity, in my opinion a new one is a necessity. In fact it’s just the sort of comfort that the Phil. Soc. had in mind for you.
By all means have leather. Seeing that you have to sit in it every day while the girl makes up the bed, you should have whatever you fancy. I’ll see what is offered in the flea market.
The money is indeed a godsend, for which Moscheles is mostly to be thanked.
Unfortunately I cannot take down the letter now; I have a performance this afternoon. I’ll do so tomorrow.
Drinking songs! Rest assured that there are none on the program. But speaking of drinking, may I ask how many glasses of punch you have had?
In my view that is one too many.
• • •
VIENNA, MARCH 18, 1827
My dear, kind Moscheles!
I cannot put into words the emotion with which I read your letter of March 1st. The Philharmonic Society’s generosity in almost anticipating my appeal has touched my innermost soul.—I request you, therefore, dear Moscheles, to be the spokesman through whom I send to the Philharmonic Society my warmest and most heartfelt thanks for their special sympathy and support.
I found myself obliged to draw immediately the whole sum of 1000 gulden, for I just happened to be in the unpleasant position of having to borrow money; and this would have caused me fresh embarrassment.
In regard to the concert which the Philharmonic Society has decided to give for my benefit, I do beg the Society not to give up this noble plan but to deduct from the proceeds of this concert the 1000 gulden which they have already advanced me. And if the Society will be so kind as to let me have the remainder, I will undertake to return to the Society my warmest thanks by engaging to compose for it either a new symphony, sketches for which are already in my desk, or a new overture, or something else which the Society might like to have.
May heaven but restore my health very soon and I shall prove to those magnanimous Englishmen how greatly I appreciate their sympathy for me in my sad fate.
But your noble behavior I shall never forget; and I will shortly proceed to express my thanks particularly to Sir Smart and Mr. Stumpff.
I wish you all happiness! With the most friendly sentiments I remain your friend who highly esteems you
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
My heartfelt greetings to your wife.
I am indebted to the Philharmonic Society and yourself for a new friend, namely, Mr. Rau. Please let the Philharmonic Society have the metronome tempi for the symphony. I send you the markings herewith.
Great Maestro, rest assured that I will copy them with care.
• • •
Brother, on my way in I crossed paths with Wawruch; he said you have but little strength today.
I’m sorry to hear that, and sorry, too, for losing my temper with you yesterday—my apologies.
Come now, do you imagine that I’m planning to steal the bank shares?
Then why do you play this childish game with me?
Well and good, but for Karl’s sake—or, better still, simply to facilitate the terms of your will, it would be useful to know where
they are hidden.
At least tell me the name—merely that—of this all-knowing one.
I took a turn about the room.
to collect myself
Ludwig, it falls to me—I’m really at a loss to find a way—nay, there is no artful way to tell you the unvarnished truth. Wawruch—Malfatti too—both have given up hope.
I’m surprised myself by my tears—You take it better than I do.
According to Wawruch the end cannot be far off. When we met just now he asked me—you’ll remember that he studied for the priesthood before he took up medicine. Hence he asked me if I thought you would be willing to receive the Holy Sacrament.
I told him that even though you are somewhat careless about attending church, in all likelihood you are more religious than he is—witness your grand solemn Mass.
Of course I didn’t put it in those words. Still, I happen to agree with him in regard to Extreme Unction.
Brother, I cannot urge you strongly enough to make your peace with God.
By no means at this moment—at the appropriate time, naturally.
Again I’m surprised—I didn’t expect you to agree with such alacrity—That leaves unsettled only the disposition of your estate.
As for our sister-in-law, I made a mistake—I should have stayed out of it.
I did indeed extend the invitation—Added to that, I tugged at her heartstrings, but to no avail—She doesn’t wish to see you.
Conversations with Beethoven Page 19
