Anton Schindler, Brief an Ignaz Moscheles in London, Wien, 4. April 1827, Autograph

Anton Schindler describes the time after Beethoven's death. With his letter he encloses a letter to George Smart (not conserved) that expresses Beethoven's gratitude to George Smart, Johann Andreas Stumpff, the Philharmonic Society and the whole English nation.

After severe death throes Beethoven had died on March 26th and had been buried with all honours three days later. Schindler describes the details of the funeral. On April 3rd Mozart's requiem was given in honour of Beethoven.

The discovery of seven bank stocks among Beethoven's belongings has caught much attention because in light of such a fortune, Beethoven would not have needed any help from England. In newspapers, Schindler and Stephan Braun are trying to refute reproaches that the Vienna population had ignored Beethoven's plight (W 33). They are hoping for support from England. For this purpose, Moscheles shall publish the letters he received from Beethoven.

The fact that the Philharmonic Society paid for the funeral was also met with indignation in Vienna. On the day after the funeral, the Society for the Friends of Music of the Austrian Emperor's State, of which Beethoven was an honorary member, held a requiem in the composer's honour. The proceeds of a concert held at the Kärtnertortheater shall pay for a tombstone.

After a grave digger was to be bribed to hand over Beethoven's head, the police had to be called.

Moscheles shall persuade the Philharmonic Society not to demand the return of the money Beethoven received, but to have it included in his bequest. The golden medal Beethoven was awarded from French king Ludwig XVIII would be a suitable piece of memory for the Society. Because Schindler has no personal souvenir from Beethoven he is asking for a share from the gift of money.

According to Schindler's description Beethoven's brother Nikolaus Johann showed a fairly reckless behaviour. Already before Beethoven's death he tried to clean out the apartment. (FG)