THE LATE PERIOD - VIENNA 1816 (Age 45)

CRISIS IN CREATIVITY

FAMILY - SOCIAL ISSUES: It is likely not a simple coincidence that Beethoven's creative output declined between the years 1815 and 1817, given his legal struggles over Karl and his struggles to provide proper care of the boy. In addition, Beethoven suffered from a protracted illness that began in October 1816, along with his near total deafness.

There wasa significant drop in Beethoven's work between 1815 and 1817 duringwhich time he suffered from prolonged illnesses and from the emotionalburden of failed romances and from caring for his ill brother Carlwho finally died November 15, 1815 of tuberculosis, and his beliefthat Carl's wife Johanna was an unfit mother to his nine-year-oldnephew Karl. Before his death, Carl established Beethoven and Johannaas jnt guardians of the boy, which Beethoven fought vigorously incourt. This battle extended through 1820 and caused a great deal offinancially and emotional stress to all parties involved. The manycourt appearances eventually led to the determination (December 18,1818) that Beethoven was, in fact, a commoner - leading to furtherstress for him. Through those years, Beethoven was quite severe withKarl, and the boy became increasingly unhappy - eventually leadingto a suicide attempt 7/31/1826. Karl survived and eventually joinedthe army - escaping the traumatic life surrounding the custody battlesand Beethoven's demands on him.

image from 1815 (Mahler - Oil)

Most Excellent A(djutan)t Second S(coundre)l of the Empire. The guilty and the innocent are commanded to see to the proof-reading with all speed and to return the proofs to me."

"In the last movement, in the passage where low E appear in the four chords, I should like the letters to be added, thus"

			E    E    E    E    E
			A    F#   G#   A    B
			E    E    E    E    E
		

"Furthermore, the words which have been added in certain places must be noted and inserted -- The innocent and the guilty, the rude and the courteous second S(coundre)l of the Empire etc. etc. etc. cannot be promoted."

By this time B. was cut off from his earlier aristocratic supporters save for ArchdukeRudolph & his music did not appeal to the masses causing him insult and some resentment [Last Decade p20]

		"Leave aside operas and everything else; write only in your manner. And then a cowl to
		end this unhappy life." [Tagebuch#84]
 
		"Fate, show your power! We have no mastery over ourselves: whatever has been
		determined, must be, and so be it, then!" [Hamburger p144-5]
 
		"Endurance - Resignation - Resignation! Thus we may yet gain by the utmost misery and
		become worthy of God's forgiveness of our faults." [Hamburger p144-5]

		"You will regard K. as your own child..." [Hamburger p144-5]
     					

1st use of ear trumpet - Beethoveen is now totally deaf Rt.