Beethoven's Misery is Shown in a Newly Bequeathed Letter
Music enthusiasts from Brahms Institute, northern school in Germany, were excited after a rare handwritten letter by Ludwig van Beethoven came up.
The six-page letter has the composer's original seal and signature. According to the institute, the letter was made in an attempt to sell Ludwig's popular piece known as the "Missa solemnis," which he made in 1823.
The letter showed Beethoven asking Franz Anton Stockhausen, harpist and composer, to assist in finding potential buyers for his piece.
However, the most interesting things in the letter were about his personal situations like financial status, eye problem, and his desire to gain more wealth. The letter has turned yellowish as this has existed several years ago. Due to its age, people handling it need to use gloves as the letter demands special storing methods.
Beethoven was 53 years old when wrote the letter. In it, he talked about his nephew's expensive education and said financial support would be needed for the boy to continue his studies after his death. The black writing on the letter looks untidy as it slants to the right with crossings out and corrections.
Based on the letter, it seems that Beethoven did not have a nice, easily readable handwriting. He can be spontaneous, but sometimes crosses out things as his thoughts are changing while continuing with his writing. This is what the music researcher has analyzed from the letter.
The letter was addressed to L.v. Beethoven in Vienna, but was now held by Renate Wirth, an inheritor of the addressee.
The head of the Institute, Wolfgang Sandberger, said that the letter of Beethoven would cost beyond 100,000 euros. The letter is of high value and the content which talked about his personal life made it even more interesting. The Brahm's Institue is extremely lucky to have such piece.
The institute is going to display the letter starting next week.