Before the middle of February the alterations to be made were determined by musician and poet, and each began his task; both were hindered by frequent interruptions, and its completion deferred.[116]
Beethoven’s attention to it was immediately called away by the concert of which these two notes speak:
No. I.
(To Brunswick.)
Vienna, February 13, 1814. Dear friend and brother! You wrote to me recently, I write to you now—you no doubt rejoice over all victories—also over mine—on the 27th of this month I shall give a second concert in the large Ridotto Room—Come up—You know it now. Thus I am gradually rescuing myself from my misery, for from my salaries I have not yet received a penny.[117] Schuppanzigh has written to Michalcovics[118] whether it would be worth while to come to Ofen; what do you think? Of course such a thing would have to take place in a theatre. My opera is going to be performed, but I am writing much of it over. I hope you are living contentedly, that is not a little, so far as I am concerned, good heavens, my kingdom is in the air, like the wind the tones often whirl in my soul—I embrace you.
No. II.
(To Archduke Rudolph.)
I hope for pardon for my non-attendance. Your displeasure would punish me when I am innocent; in a few days I will make it all up. They intend to perform my opera “Fidelio” again. This gives me a great deal of work, and despite my healthy appearance I am not well. For my second concert the arrangements have been made in part, I must compose something new for Milder in it. Meanwhile I hear, and it is comforting to me, that Y. I. H. is in better health,[119] I hope, unless I am flattering myself too much, soon again to contribute to it. In the meantime I have taken the liberty to inform my Lord Falstaff[120] that he will soon graciously be permitted to appear before Y. I. H.
The “Wiener Zeitung” of February 24th contains the advertisement of the “Akademie, next Sunday, the 27th inst. in the large Redoutensaal,” announcing “a new symphony not yet heard and an entirely new as yet unheard terzetto” as novelties. To Hummel, Beethoven now wrote:
I beg of you conduct this time again the drumheads and cannonades with your admirable chapelmaster and field-marshall’s bâton—do it, I beg of you, and if ever I am wanted to cannonade you, I shall be at your service body and soul.
“Wellington’s Victory” Repeated
The report in the “Allg. Mus. Zeit.” contains the programme in full with a few short and pertinent observations: