Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most well-known and recognizable composers. Not only did his brazen compositional style help transition the musical world from the Classical to Romantic periods, but his fierce attitude toward financial rights for composers helped modernize the profession’s musical pay structure.
Written on Sept. 24, 1815, “Your Friend Beethoven” is a letter that the composer wrote to librettist Friedrich Treitschke about fair pay. Beethoven felt that he was not being paid enough to work on the opera Romulus und Remus.
"I should long ago have commenced on your Romulus, but the theater management will only grant me one evening's receipts for such a work,” Beethoven wrote, as translated in Alfred Kalischer’s Beethoven's Letters. “And however many sacrifices I have willingly made and am making for the sake of my art, I really lose too much by such a condition.”
He went on to say, “I am firmly convinced that any place in Germany or elsewhere would pay me at least as well as any other man.”
It is important to note that Beethoven’s commercial success wasn’t what it is today. While he was well-received during his time, he did have many flops, including the first version of his only finished opera, Fidelio. We tend to think that he was always paid well because we know him as a momentous figure, but that is not the case.
Perhaps that is why this letter is seen as a valuable item written by one of the greatest composers instead of what it really is, a call for fair pay.
The paradox of auctioning off a letter discussing the issue of compensation has an uneasy feeling. The letter is a part of history, but it could be handed to the highest bidder only to sit unseen by the public at someone’s house. The auction for the letter, run by RR Auction, ended April 13 and closed at $200,992!
Romulus und Remus is unfinished, which was all too common for Beethoven. Unlike some of his works, we know that the reason why he didn’t finish was because the constant back and forth about wages with Count Ferdinand Palffy, the manager of the Theater an der Wien.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
