Johann (a short time afterward).—Kirchhoffer was here and said that ducats have depreciated in value and we ought to inform ourselves at once. He wants me to bring him the two documents and the Symphony, when he will at once hand over the two shares. I beg you therefore to sign this now so that I can be with him at 10 o’clock. I will bring the two shares at once.—The girl can carry the Symphony with me now.—As regards the dedication of the Symphony it was only a question put for Ries by Kirchhoffer and must in no case be. He would have liked to see Ries [get it?] because he is going to leave London soon.—I told him it could not well be in the case of this work, whereupon he said no more. In no event does he count on it longer.
When finally, in 1826, Beethoven decided that the Symphony should be dedicated to the King of Prussia, he obtained permission of Prince Hatzfeld, the Prussian Ambassador, to do so. Dr. Spicker, the King’s librarian, was in Vienna at the time and arrangements were made to transmit a copy of the score to Berlin through him. Holz had a talk with him and he advised him concerning the preparation of the presentation copy and also discussed the possibility of a decoration. Spicker told Holz to have Beethoven copy the title of the printed work on the title-page in his natural and habitual handwriting without any attempt at beautification. This would enhance the value of the score in the eyes of the King and he would put it in his private library. To get the order would be an easy matter, for the King was predisposed in Beethoven’s favor. Spicker also visited Beethoven, being presented by Haslinger, but, unfortunately, the pages of the book which must have recorded the conversation have not been preserved; or, if preserved, not been made known. Beethoven wrote the title-page, the score was handsomely bound by Steiner and Co. and placed in the hands of Dr. Spicker with the following letter:
Your Majesty:
It is a piece of great good fortune in my life that Your Majesty has graciously allowed me to dedicate the present work to you.
Your Majesty is not only the father of your subjects but also protector of the arts and sciences; how much more, therefore, must I rejoice in your gracious permission since I am also so fortunate as to count myself a citizen of Bonn and therefore one of your subjects.
I beg of Your Majesty graciously to accept this work as a slight token of the high reverence which I give to all your virtues.
Your Majesty’s
Most obedient servant
Ludwig van Beethoven.
A Royal Gift of Small Value
The King’s acknowledgment was as follows:
In view of the recognized worth of your compositions it was very agreeable for me to receive the new work which you have sent me. I thank you for sending it and hand you the accompanying diamond ring as a token of my sincere appreciation.