FINIS. 
WITH GOD’S HELP.

When Beethoven saw this he wrote underneath, “Oh man, help thyself!” The piano arrangement was dedicated to the Archduke and published in August.

The year 1814 was a memorable one for Beethoven.  Important events crowded fast on his horizon, chief of which were those proceeding from the meeting of the Congress of Sovereigns in Vienna in the autumn of this year.  Napoleon was in the toils; he had been forced to abdicate and was now a prisoner on the island of Elba.  When the treaty of peace was signed at Paris on May 30, 1814, between France and the allies, it was agreed that all the powers which had been engaged in the war on either side, should send plenipotentiaries to Vienna in general Congress to arrange for the conclusion of the provisions of the treaty of peace.

The Congress met in November of the same year, and was characterized by a degree of magnificence which renders it unique of its kind.  The Emperor and Empress of Russia, the kings of Prussia, Bavaria, Denmark and Wuertemburg were present in person.  England and France were represented by their highest nobles.  Spain, Sweden and Portugal sent representatives.  The advent of a hundred great personages in Vienna naturally brought other distinguished visitors there and the gayeties that supervened, now that the wars were a thing of the past, occupied the time and attention of the visitors to such an extent that for three months nothing of a business nature was attempted by the Congress.  These were halcyon days for Vienna.  Peace was restored after twenty years of such warfare as only a Napoleon could inflict, the nervous tension became a thing of the past, and sovereign and noble could again take up the chief occupation of life, enjoyment.

The city fathers, on learning that the Congress was to be convened in Vienna, commissioned Beethoven to write a cantata of welcome to honor the visitors.  The poem “Der glorreiche Augenblick” (The Glorious Moment), was chosen, which Beethoven set to music.  As may be supposed the new cantata served to increase his fame, although as a work of art it is about on a par with the Battle Symphony.

Beethoven occupied a prominent part in the many notable gatherings which were a feature of this winter.  Associated in people’s minds as a harbinger of the new era, his popularity increased in line with the ever brightening political horizon.  The Archduke enjoyed having him at his receptions, introducing him to the sovereigns, and made much of him generally.  It was at the Archduke’s apartments that Beethoven was introduced to the Empress of Russia, who showed him much attention, both here and when meeting him elsewhere.  He met her frequently at Count Rasoumowsky’s, who as Russian Ambassador entertained lavishly in honor of his distinguished guests.  He afterward related humorously how the crowned heads paid court to him, referring to the urbanity and courtesy which the Empress