Gerhard von Breuning (1813-1892) - Fotografie von Victor Angerer, Wien, 1892

After Beethoven had moved into his lodgings in the "Schwarzspanierhaus" (house of the black-robed Spaniards), he had much greater contact with the family of Stephan von Breuning, a childhood friend of his from Bonn, who lived close by in the "Rotes Haus" (red house). Dr. med. Gerhard von Breuning, Stephan"s son from his second marriage, frequently visited Beethoven between the years 1825-1827 and visited the composer almost daily during his illness. In his reminiscences "Aus dem Schwarzspanierhause", published in 1874, he recalls many details about Beethoven"s apartment and his daily life. Today, the work is one of the most important sources of information on Beethoven"s circumstances when he lived at the Schwarzspanierhaus. (S.B.)