Given, etc., etc.,
on January 23, 1817.
by the
G[eneralissimu]s
....m.p.
Beethoven was in doubt as to the correctness of “Hammerclavier,” thinking that it might better be “Hämmerclavier.” In another communication he says the matter must be referred to a philologist. At the same time he offers, if necessary, to pay for the engraving of a new title, adding that perhaps the old one might be utilized for another sonata. He bases his acceptance of the new word on the belief that the instrument itself was a German invention—a theory long ago disproved so far as the priority of the invention is concerned.
Baroness Ertmann now lived at St. Pölten, where the command of her husband lay quartered, and thither Beethoven sent a copy of the “Hammerclavier” sonata accompanied by the following letter:
My dear, valued Dorothea-Cäcilia!
You must often have misunderstood me when I was obliged to appear displeasing to you particularly in the early days when my style had less recognition than it has now. You know the teaching of the un-called apostles who helped themselves along with quite other means than the holy gospel; I did not want to be counted among them. Receive now what was often intended for you and what may be a proof of my affection for your artistic talent as well as your person. That I did not hear you play at Czerny’s recently was due to my ill-health which at last seems to be giving way before my strength.
I hope soon to hear you, how it goes at Pölten with ..., and whether you care anything for your
Admirer and friend,
L. van Beethoven, m.p.
All things lovely to your worthy husband and consort.[175]
Reflections Committed to Paper