Beethoven, Ludwig van

asking him to let him know the terms in connexion with the sale of his house, stating that one of his friends might be prepared to purchase it, requesting accurate and detailed information on three points, concerning firstly the valuation of the house together with the vineyard, secondly the arrangements he has made with the vineyard employee, and thirdly the mortgage, noting that the buyer whom he would introduce to him might be very meticulous while at the same time largely willing to comply with his wishes, informing him also that he does not know how long he shall be there, but that he is always at his disposal

"...Ich bitte Sie mir nur gefälligst die Bedingniße, was den Verkauf ihres Hauses betrift, bekannt zu machen, da ich glaube, daß einer meiner Freunde, wovon ich ihnen schon sagte, vieleicht das Hauß kaufen würde, zu wissen wäre fur's erste nöthig:
1) wie hoch Sie das Haus Samt weingarten etc anschlagen?..."



3 pages, 4to (c.23.5 x 20cm), autograph address panel, [Mödling, possibly beginning of September 1820], reassembled on restorer's paper, with minimal loss of text

Emily Anderson, ii 1034; Briefwechsel, iv (1996) 1408; Musikerautographen in Sammlung Helmut Nanz (2002), p.13.

This item comprises a single sheet folded to create four pages: the first page and the address (and red seal) on the front, pages 2 and 3 on the back. The catalogue illustration shows page 3. Beethoven's letter was subsequently folded again and became very worn along the fold lines. Apparently to prevent the letter tearing any further, it was later laid down on translucent restorer's paper. This very fine paper (like a gauze), is attached to the address page and page 1 of the letter (the other side of the leaf from that illustrated in the catalogue). This restoration appears to have been executed very carefully. The first page of the letter can be read through the "gauze", but the ink appears fainter than on pages 2 and 3. The letter does not seem to have been affected by damp.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A LETTER WRITTEN DURING THE COMPOSITION OF BEETHOVEN'S CHORAL MASTERPIECE THE MISSA SOLEMNIS. Beethoven was a great lover of the countryside and would regularly spend his summers outside of Vienna. During the years 1818-1821 he stayed part of each summer in the attractive market town of Mödling. In the summer of 1820, he resided at Fischergasse 116 (called the "Christhof", today Achsenaugasse 6), owned by the winemaker Johann Speer. It has been suggested that Beethoven's enquiries in the present letter might have reflected his own interest in acquiring the property. Already in October 1819 he had been interested in purchasing the "Christhof", which at that time had been bought by Speer.