A note signed by composer Ludwig van Beethoven has sold at auction for $112,500.
The undated and unlocated letter is short enough to reproduce in full:
Beethoven writes:
Your Excellency!
I beg you very much so, if it is only possible for you, to grant me the favour, and for you to visit me this afternoon,
Beginning at 3 PM until 5 PM, also half-an-hour to 6, I could await you, if you would just kindly determine it, when I could for sure count to see you during this time, and as well petition you to bring along the letter from Ries
Hoping for a benevolent accommodation to my request
I remain with esteem
Your Most Devoted
Beethoven
Ries is Ferdinand Ries, to whom Beethoven taught piano.
The great composer’s note is short, to the point, and very clearly written. The fine condition also stands out. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
This childhood connection became a long-standing relationship.
Ries promoted his teacher’s work, helped him as his hearing failed, and became something of a business manager for him. He also became a prolific composer in his own right.
Beethoven is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest composers of all time.
His autograph is also rare.
The most valuable items associated with the German composer are musical scores.
In 2018, an autographed manuscript page containing sketched ideas for The Emperor Concerto realised $250,000 at auction.
That was a fragment; in 2003, a manuscript of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony made £2.1 million. It wasn’t signed, but had the composer’s corrections and was the version that went to press.
A single page believed to be the first sketch for that work made £1.3 million in 2002.
Again, a landmark piece recording a moment in time.
Beethoven’s correspondence also has value and much of it is in museum and archive collections. Autographs are likely to cost 10s of thousands of pounds.
The charm of this piece and its good connections to Ries no doubt added to its value.
Beethoven is one of very few classical composers, alongside Mozart and perhaps Bach, to have a popular cultural presence to rival the greatest rock bands. That brings a new level of interest and value to pieces associated with him.
