MOST
EXCELLENT STREICHER ! Vienna,
1796
Indeed I must humbly beg your pardon for replying
so tardily to your very obliging letter.... When I tell you that my
work, which is nearly overwhelming me, has prevented me from doing so,
I am certainly not telling a lie. Your little pupil, dear St[reicher],
apart from the fact that when playing my Adagio she drew a few tears
from my eyes, has really astonished me. I congratulate you on being
so fortunate as to be able to display through such a talent your own
undertanding of music; and, moreover, I am delighted that this dear
little girl, who is so talented, has you for her teacher. I assure
you in all sincerity, dear St[reicher], that this was the first time
it gave me pleasure to hear my trio performed; and truly this experience
will make me decide to compose more for the pianoforte than I have done
hitherto. Even if only a few people understand me, I shall be satisfied.
There is no doubt that so far as the manner of playing it is concerned,
the pianoforte is still the least studied and developed of all
instruments; often one thinks that one is merely listening to a harp.
And I am delighted, my dear fellow, that you are one of the few who
realize and perceive that, provided one can feel the music, one can
also make the pianoforte sing. I hope that the time will come when the
harp and the pianoforte will be treated as two entirely different instruments.
By the way, I feel sure that you can let your little pupil play anywhere
and that, between ourselves, whe will put to shame many of our commonplace
but conceited organ-grinders.
One thing more. I trust you will not take it
amiss, most excellent St[reicher], if I too take a little interest in
her training? --or, rather, if I am anxious about her progress? -- For
without wishing to flatter you, I must say that I know of nothing more
or better to tell her than that you should supervise her progress and
encourage her on my behalf. -- Well now, all good wishes, dear St[reicher],
and continue to be my friend, just as I am
wholly
your sincere friend
L.
v. Beethoven
I hope to be able to visit you soon in person
and then I will also let you have the number of my lodging.
Give my greetings to your dear wife.