MOST EXCELLENT STREICHER!
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.