AGE 22 THROUGH AGE 23 - [1793]

FIRST YEARS IN VIENNA - HAYDN INFLUENCE

WORKS CREATED (No important works composed)

op 19: 2nd piano concerto in Bb revised (probably w/ Rondo WoO 6 in finale.) (first begun 1787)
WoO 6: Rondo for piano & orch. in Bb (prob. Orig finale to op 19)
WoO 25: Rondo in Eb  
WoO 40:12 Vars for piano & violin in F on "se vuol ballare" from Mozart's Ni di Figaro ?? written 1792 ?? Ded: Eleonore von Breuning [First Viennese published work - published 7/1793. Beethoven was sent 12 copies. He found many errors and sent a note to Artaria demanding confiscations of copies, correction and republication. There was therefore a second issue [See Ira Brilliant Center Exhibit Information on site]
WoO 41:Rondo for piano & violin in G (July)
WoO 81: Allemande in A (rev. 1822)
Hess 19: Quintet in Eb  
Hess 233: ~300 simple contrapoint exercises on cantus firmi 1793-95
Hess 234: ~125 exercises in strict counterpoint 93-95
Hess 235: 26 free exer. 93-95
Hess 236: 18 simple 2-part strict fugues 93-95
Hess 237: 7 simple 3-part strict fugues 93-95
Hess 238: 9 simple 4-part strict fugues 93-95
Hess 239: 3 chorale fugues 93-95
Hess 240: 4 2-part exercises in double counterpoint 93-95
Hess 241: 21 exercises in double counterpoint 93-95
Hess 242: 6 exercises in double counterpoint 93-95
Hess 243: 5 4-part fugues in double counterpoint 93-95
Hess 244: 2 4-part triple fugues 93-95
Hess 245: Fragment of a fugue in d for string quartet 93-95
Hess 246: Double fugue in F for 4-part choir 93-95

 

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

DATE
LIFE NOTES
OTHER NOTES
 

1780's & 90's: Viennese were dedicated to entertainment. To escapism rather than enlightenment. Serious subjects were considered too "traurig" (too sad), [phrase used at the time]. Dance was universal. Prostitution was widespread.

In Vienna at this time, music was the favorite passtime of the aristocracy. Political thought and action under Emperor Francis II was dangerous and suppressed. Many of the aristocracy practiced a high standard of musical achievement.

 
  Beethoven met many of his friends thru Haydn who also taught: Countess Thun, Erdody family, Pleyel, Krumpholz, Anton Kraft, Wranitsky & Seyfried  
  Written precepts: "To do good whenever one can, to love liberty above all else, never to deny the truth, even though it be before the throne" [Anderson v1pg 6 - letter #4]  
Jan Moved from attic to ground floor at Lichnowsky's until late summer 1794 when moved to 1st floor.  
Early First met Prince Lobkowitz  
? Began secret lessons w/ composer, Johann Schenk [1761-1830] helping with counterpoint studies after finding Haydn not carefully correcting lessons.  
May-early Beethoven sent a letter to Elector Maximilian Franz in Bonn asking for his father's salary to continue for the care of the household and the support of his two brothers after his father's death 5 months earlier (Dec.1792).  
June B. left for Eisenstadt where Haydn staying (probably at the Summer home of Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy). It is likely that Esterhazy helped w/ logding. [Kerman p17] According to Anderson (see v1-letter #11) another? trip to Eisenstadt occured June 1794.
July WoO 40 'Se vuol ballare' variations published.  
Oct 24 B. was invited to dine with Baron van Swieten, who became one of his important patrons. [Pollini CD]  
Nov 2 Wrote to Eleonore von Breuning in Bonn after 1 year of his moving to Vienna, apologizing for the quarrel & his behavior that had occurred. Told her he is dedicating WoO 40 variations to her; asks her to knit him a coat, wanting to wear, "something made for me by one of the best, most admirable girls in Bonn." (She did respond by sending a knitted neckcloth after a few months - see June 1794)  
Nov 23 Haydn wrote to Elector Max.Franz that 500 fl. seemed insufficient. Praised the work that Beethoven had written and enclosed a note from Beethoven and 5 works.  
Dec 23 Elector Maximilian Franz replied to Haydn in that Beethoven had been receiving 900 fl, not 500, and that four of the five works sent to him were not new, but had been composed in Bonn before Beethoven's departure (a fugue was the only new work represented). It was then suggested that as Beethoven was apparently accumulating debt and was producing little, he should return to Bonn. (Beethoven's Bonn support was terminated 3 months later -- see March 1794)  
? Briefly moved into Pr.Lichnowsky's castle.  
? Met lifelong friend: Hungarian Nikolaus Zmeskall von Domanovecz (amateur cellist and quartet composer). (Subsequently Provided quill pens to B. for many years)  
?   Louis XVI guillotined in France.