were very fond of him.  He would stay at their house for days at a time and was always treated as one of the family.  They were cultured people, and in their society Beethoven’s whole nature expanded.  He began to take an interest in the literature of his own country and in English authors as well.  All his spare time was given to reading and composition.  A valuable acquaintance with the young Count Von Waldstein was made about this time.  The Count called one day and found the composer at his old worn out piano, surrounded by signs of abject poverty.  It went to his heart to see that the young man, whose music he so greatly admired should have to struggle for the bare necessities of life while he himself enjoyed every luxury.  It seemed to him terribly unjust.  He feared to offend the composer’s self-respect by sending him money, but shortly after the call Beethoven was made happy by the gift of a fine new piano, in place of his old one.  He was very grateful for this friendship and later dedicated to the Count one of his finest sonatas, the Op. 53, known as the “Waldstein Sonata.”

With a view of aiding the growth of the opera, and operatic art, the Elector founded a national theater, and Beethoven was appointed viola player in the orchestra besides still being assistant organist in the chapel.  In July, 1792, the band arranged a reception for Haydn, who was to pass through Bonn on his way from London, where he had had a wonderful success, to his home in Vienna.  Beethoven seized the opportunity to show the master a cantata he had just composed.  Haydn praised the work and greatly encouraged the young musician to go forward in his studies.  The Elector, hearing of Haydn’s words of praise, felt that Beethoven should have the chance to develop his talents that he might be able to produce greater works.  Therefore he decided to send the young composer, at his own expense, to study strict counterpoint with Haydn.  He was now twenty-two and his compositions already published had brought him considerable fame and appreciation in his vicinity.  Now he was to have wider scope for his gifts.

He bade farewell to Bonn in November of this year and set out a second time for the city of his dreams—­Vienna.  He was never to see Bonn again.  He arrived in Vienna comparatively unknown, but his fine piano playing and wonderful gift for improvising greatly impressed all who heard him.  He constantly played in the homes of the wealthy aristocracy.  Many who heard him play, engaged lessons and he was well on the road to social success.  Yet his brusque manners often antagonized his patrons.  He made no effort to please or conciliate; he was obstinate and self-willed.  In spite of all this, the innate nobleness and truth of his character retained the regard of men and women belonging to the highest ranks of society.  With the Prince and Princess Lichnowsky Beethoven shortly became very intimate, and was invited to stay at the Palace.  The Princess looked after his personal