For several years prior to this, Beethoven’s muse had been silent for the most part.  No important work since the completion of the Eighth Symphony had been achieved, with the exception of the sonatas mentioned in a previous chapter.  This was owing to the various lawsuits in which he found himself involved.  His troubles had now been adjusted, however, to such an extent as to enable him to again turn his attention to large works.  The pension which had been settled on him in 1809 had been imperilled by the death of Prince Kinsky and the bankruptcy of Prince Lobkowitz.  The portion of it which had been pledged to him by these gentlemen had been discontinued or greatly reduced, and Beethoven had to have recourse to the law to protect his rights.  A compromise was finally effected, which resulted in the pension being paid in part.  Although the litigation, in regard to his nephew was still on, it was becoming more and more apparent that the outcome of it would be in his favor.  His mind at rest on these points, we find him once more in good health and spirits, with creative energy not only unimpaired but greater than ever.  “In general, every evil to which we do not succumb is a benefactor,” said Emerson.

The announcement of the Archduke’s appointment as Archbishop of Olmuetz, had been definitely made during the summer of 1818.  It was well known for years previously that he would receive this appointment, and it is quite likely that Beethoven had always intended writing a mass to commemorate it.  Considering the close relations existing between master and pupil for so many years, and Beethoven’s obligations to Rudolph in money matters, he could hardly have let so momentous an event go by, without writing a mass for it.  A mass was probably always intended, but not such a one as eventually grew out of his original idea, which, expanding, augmenting in force and grandeur as the significance of the work took possession of his mind, finally became an apotheosis of friendship, a message to the world.

That the Archduke appreciated Beethoven and valued his friendship is plain.  He carefully preserved the letters written him by the master and dedicated to him some of his own compositions.  He had as complete a library of Beethoven’s works as was attainable, and was thoroughly familiar with the master’s music.  That Beethoven responded to this to an equal degree is not likely.  He lived too abstracted a life for that.  He valued this friendship as much as such a man could, considering the disparity in rank and the difference in mode of thought of the two men.  In dedicating so many of his compositions to him, and in consenting to teach him for so long a period, he showed the esteem in which he held him.  Probably no other person, man or woman received the deference and consideration from Beethoven, which he accorded the Archduke.  The republican, socialistic Beethoven was not specially influenced by his rank; rather, it was his personality and devotion to music, which won the regard of the master and formed the bond between them.