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Monumentally significant German composer (1770–1827), who, through the genius manifested in nine completed symphonies, 35 piano sonatas, and all manner of choral, orchestral, chamber, and instrumental music, has been granted a place in history as among the most innovative and influential creative artists in the history of Western civilization. Incredible German ADS signed in-full, one page, 8.5 x 14, October 1, 1817. Titled ‘Quittung’ by the composer with eight lines of text in Beethoven’s hand, then signed by him at its conclusion; a ‘Quittung’ (receipt) for 600 fl. in which the composer acknowledges the receipt of money from Prince Kinsky’s treasury, his annuity for the period from April-September 1817 (corrected from the original October 1817-March 1818). Beneath the handwritten body is a small diamond-shaped seal affixed with red wax; Beethoven has signed beautifully, and in-full, to the right of it, “Ludwig van Beethoven,” and his signature is evidently witnessed beneath. Bound into a marbled hardcover binding with gilt lettering on spine and in very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and scattered light toning and soiling. All writing is clear and nicely penned.
As Austria struggled against Napoleon in 1809, Beethoven considered leaving Vienna for the position of kappellmeister in Cassell, Germany. Considered, even at the time, one of the world’s greatest Romantic composers and with his Fifth Symphony called ‘one of the most important works of the age,’ Beethoven’s patrons, including Prince Kinsky, Prince Lobkowitz, and Archduke Rudolph, did not want him to leave. They banded together to pay the composer a small but helpful annuity. However, the disastrous effect of the Napoleonic wars on the Austrian economy devalued Beethoven's annuity by the end of 1810, with a reorganization of the Austrian currency further complicating matters.
While Rudolph and Lobkowitz continued to support Beethoven, Kinsky—who had moved to Prague—died in an 1812 accident before making arrangements for Beethoven's revised payments. Beethoven sued Kinsky's heirs, and after three years of legal action, was awarded restitution of his annuity, with this 1817 document—presented to the composer while he was in Vienna—an example of the ongoing payment. Anything signed by Beethoven is incredibly desirable, particularly with as much handwriting as seen here. This is a phenomenal example! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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