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Autograph letter signed from Beethoven to Franz Brentano, dated Feb. 15, 1817 [Brandenburg no. 1083]

Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827 (composer)
Brentano, Franz, 1765-1844 (recipient)

1817-02-15

Vienna

ger

Autograph letter signed from Beethoven to Franz Brentano, dated Feb. 15, 1817 (Brandenburg no. 1083). 1 double leaf (4 written p.). Written in ink on stationery (laid paper, watermark "GM"), with initials "BB" stamped in blue ink on p.3, signed by Beethoven in German script, address on p. 4, with... Show moreAutograph letter signed from Beethoven to Franz Brentano, dated Feb. 15, 1817 (Brandenburg no. 1083). 1 double leaf (4 written p.). Written in ink on stationery (laid paper, watermark "GM"), with initials "BB" stamped in blue ink on p.3, signed by Beethoven in German script, address on p. 4, with Beethoven's seal in red. Show less

image/jpg

23 x 39 cm. (9.25 x 15.5 in.)

Manuscript letter

Manuscripts

Manuscripts

Correspondence

Letters from Beethoven

early 19th century

Beethoven Center Manuscripts

The Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, San Jose State University

This work is in the public domain and therefore the digital images attached to this catalog record may be used without permission. Credit statements for these images should read “From the collections of the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, San José State University.” For information on obtaining higher resolution reproductions and permission to publish, see the Beethoven Center's website https://www.sjsu.edu/beethoven/collection/library-materials/index.php

Beethoven Briefwechsel Gesamtausgabe, ed. S. Brandenburg, no. 1083; Letters of Beethoven, ed. E. Anderson, no. 758.

Beethoven Vault

Translation: Vienna, February 15, 1817 My esteemed friend! Some time ago I sent you several music works, in order to recall myself to your friendly remembrance, all the members of the Brentano family remain always dear to me, and especially shall I always remember you, my honored friend [Franz], your with true respect, I even wish that you may believe how often I have prayed to heaven for the long continuance of your life, so that you long may be a useful and honored head of your family, you will always find me full of such sentiments;—as for me, my health has been shaken for a long time, for which the condition of the country bares not a little responsibility, whereby thus far no improvement is to be expected, in addition further deterioration probably takes place every day—Mr. Kessler has sent me through you a work that demonstrates his talent[,] up to now I have not been able to write to him but I shall do so soon in detail—I really very much miss my contacts with you as well as your wife and dear children, for where would it be possible to find something similar here in Vienna[?] I therefore seldom go out, for I have always found it impossible to associate with men unless a certain interchange of ideas is possible—now all my best wishes, I wish all possible beauty and goodness for you in your life as a crown of your worthiness, may I also not appear to be unworthy to be recalled in your memories.—all best greetings for my esteemed friend Toni and your dear children, with true regards and devotion, your friend L.v. Beethoven.

Formerly owned by the family of Justizrat von Brentano di Tremezzo, Offenbach am Main; acquired by Ira Brilliant from Richard Macnutt in 1984 and donated to Beethoven Center in March 2003. IFBms4: m2a0004