(1790--1826.)
FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR. LUDWIG NOHL.
ALSO HIS
LETTERS TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH, CARDINAL-ARCHBISHOP
OF OLMÜTZ, K.W., FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR.
LUDWIG RITTER VON KÖCHEL.
TRANSLATED BY
LADY WALLACE.
WITH A PORTRAIT AND FAC-SIMILE.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
BOSTON:
OLIVER DITSON & CO., 277 WASHINGTON STREET.
NEW YORK: C.H. DITSON & CO.
Since undertaking the translation of Dr. LudwigNohl's valuable edition of "Beethoven's Letters,"an additional collection has been published by Dr.Ludwig Ritter von Köchel, consisting of manyinteresting letters addressed by Beethoven to hisillustrious pupil, H.R.H. the Archduke Rudolph,Cardinal-Archbishop of Olmütz. These I haveinserted in chronological order, and marked withthe letter K., in order to distinguish them from thecorrespondence edited by Dr. Nohl. I have onlyomitted a few brief notes, consisting merely ofapologies for non-attendance on the Archduke.
The artistic value of these newly discoveredtreasures will no doubt be as highly appreciated inthis country as in the great maestro's Father-land.
I must also express my gratitude to Dr. Th.G. v. Karajan,for permitting an engraving to be madeexpressly for this work, from an original Beethovenportrait in his possession, now for the first timegiven to the public. The grand and thoughtfulcountenance forms a fitting introduction to lettersso truly depicting the brilliant, fitful genius of thesublime master, as well as the touching sadness andgloom pervading his life, which his devotion to Artalone brightened, through many bitter trials andharassing cares.
The love of Beethoven's music is now becomeso universal in England, that I make no doubt hisLetters will receive a hearty welcome from all thosewhose spirits have been elevated and soothed bythe genius of this illustrious man.
GRACE WALLACE.
AINDERBY HALL, March 28, 1866.
In accompanying the present edition of the Lettersof Ludwig van Beethoven with a few introductoryremarks, I at once acknowledge that thecompilation of these letters has cost me no slightsacrifices. I must also, however, mention that anunexpected Christmas donation, generously bestowedon me with a view to further my efforts topromote the science of music, enabled me to undertakeone of the journeys necessary for my purpose,and also to complete the revision of the Lettersand of the press, in the milder air and repose of acountry residence, long since recommended to mefor the restoration of my health, undermined byoverwork.
That, in spite of every effort, I have not succeededin seeing the original of each letter, or evendiscovering the place where it exists, may well beexcused, taking into consideration the slender capabilitiesof an individual, and the astonishing mannerin which Beethoven's Letters are dispersed allover the world. At the same time, I must statethat not only have the hitherto inaccessible treasuresof Anton Schindler's "Beethoven's Nachlass"been placed at my disposal, but also other lettersfrom private sources, owing to various happychances, and the kindness and complaisance ofcollectors of autographs. I know better, however,than most people--being in a position to do so--thatin the present work there can be no pretensionto any thing approaching to a complete collection ofBeethoven's Letters. The master, so fond of writing,though he often rather amusingly accuses himselfof being a lazy correspondent, may very probablyhave sent forth at least doub