TO THE COPYIST.[1]

Read violino 2do—­the passage in the first Allegretto in the 1st violin—­thus:—­

[Music:  Treble clef, sixteenth notes.] &c.

So write it in this way; in the first Allegretto, mark the signs of expression in all the four parts: 

[Music:  Treble and Bass clefs.]

The notes are all right; so do not misunderstand me.

Now, my good friend, as to your mode of writing—­obbligatissimo; but the signs [Music:  piano crescendo decrescendo] &c., are shamefully neglected, and often, very often, in the wrong place, which is no doubt owing to haste.  For Heaven’s sake impress on Kempel [a copyist] to copy everything just as it stands; look carefully over my present corrections, and you will find all that you have to say to him.  When [Music:  staccato mark] is put over a note, [Music:  staccatissimo mark] is not to take its place, and vice versa.  It is not the same thing to write [Music:  three staccatissimo quarter notes] and [Music:  three staccato quarter notes].  The [Music:  crescendo] are often purposely placed after the notes.  For instance:—­[Music:  three notes, decrescendo on second note].  The ties to be just as they are now placed.  It is not synonymous to write [Music:  three notes, slurred] or thus [Music:  three notes, slur over first two notes].  Such is our will and pleasure!  I have passed no less than the whole forenoon to-day, and yesterday afternoon, in correcting these two pieces, and I am actually quite hoarse from stamping and swearing.

In haste, yours,

BEETHOVEN.

Pray excuse me for to-day, as it is just four o’clock. [The close of this letter has not been deciphered by its possessor, who has traced over the hieroglyphics with a pencil; it reads somewhat to this effect, “to go to Carl at four o’clock.  We were much amused,” &c.]

[Footnote 1:  This letter is evidently written about the same time that the copying of the A minor Quartet (Op. 132) took place, of which the letter treats, and is probably “the enclosure” named in the following note.  The corrections, or we ought rather to say revisions, of Beethoven, are all fully and accurately reproduced, at all events in Breitkopf & Haertel’s edition.]

439.

TO HIS NEPHEW.

Tuesday, August 2.

MY DEAR SON,—­

Send the enclosed to-morrow morning (Wednesday) to the post; as it refers to corrections, haste is absolutely necessary.  We must have done with this evil old creature!  I have scarcely enough to eat, and am forced also to endure the sauciness and insolence of this most malicious old witch—­and with such wages too!  I think I must ask my pseudo-brother to come, and would be glad to engage again the woman from Winter’s, in the Kothgasse, who at least knew how to cook.

Write me a few lines to-morrow, and direct here.  I send you another florin.  Do not neglect your bathing; continue well, and guard against illness.  Spend your money on good objects alone.  Be my dear son!  What a frightful discord would it be, were you to prove false to me, as many persons maintain that you already are!  May God bless you!  Your attached