ALS in German, signed 'The G[eniu]s in bed,' one page, 9.5 x 4.25, no date. The letter, translated from the German, reads: 'Please send me corrected copy of the group of songs on the 'Distant One.' It is about time. The coarsest blocks should be corrected on the existing copies with lead-pencil at a nominal cost.' This statement refers to a group of songs On the Absent Beloved, Opus 98, which was published in December of 1816 and composed by Beethoven in the same month, but entitled as given above. Beethoven continues in his letter, 'I should like to send a letter to Count Lubkowitz to whom this was dedicated because I cannot use the group of songs from Barberey now.' D. Barberey refers to the faulty production of a number of examples which Steiner permitted to be printed from the last corrected copy. It is also a derisive expression of faulty work. The letter closes, 'No one asks how I am despite the fact that I have been in bed for eight days.' He signs the letter 'The G[eniu]s in bed.' Some scholars contend that the 'G' may refer to 'The Generalissimo in bed.' Beethoven was bedridden and suffering from a several chill since October 15th. Also accompanying this item is a letter from reknowned Beethoven expert Emily Anderson, who explains her reasons for dating the Beethoven letter as she does: "My warmest thanks for your very kind letter to me. And how generous of you to send me an inscribed copy of your autobiography which I do indeed look forward to receiving! I will certainly write to you again when it arrives and when I have read it. Meanwhile I am sending you the reasons for my dating your Beethoven letter c October 23, 1816, which, by the way, tallies with the dating given in the big Kinksy-Halm Catalogue of Beethoven's works published at Munich in 1955. It is Kinsky-Halm p 275, where the letters referring to Op. 98 are quoted. The song cycle 'An die gerne Gelichte' was published by Steiner in October 1816. Beethoven had sent Steiner from Baden a corrected copy in September 1816. Prince Lobkowitz to whom the work was dedicated, died on December 15 1816. But what narrows the date down to October 22nd or 23rd is that Beethoven says that he has been in bed for eight days. He went to bed on October 15th with a violent chill, which seems to have persisted for several weeks. The approximate dating of Beethoven's many undated letters is an interesting study. With kindest regards Yours sincerely Emily Anderson.' This item, from the collection of Dr. Max Thorek, has not been on the market in 30 years. It was acquired through Gilhofer and Ranschburg auction house of Vienna. In fine condition, with some light soiling, a few wrinkles and mailing folds, and Thorek's ownership stamp on the reverse. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA.
