Friedrich Wilhelm Marpurg, Abhandlung von der Fuge und Johann Georg Albrechtsberger, Gründliche Anweisung zur Komposition, Auszüge, Autograph Beethovens

Excerpts for the Archduke

"Also please kindly send me the Kirnberger, to add to mine. I am teaching someone counterpoint and I cannot find my own manuscript under my pile of papers." In 1817 (probably March) Beethoven asked Tobias Haslinger, his friend, publisher and music dealer in Vienna, for one of the standard works of music theory. The "someone", whom Beethoven does not wish to mention, is without a doubt the Archduke Rudolph. He was the only person to whom Beethoven taught counterpoint, music theory and composition. Tuition had already begun in 1809. For this purpose Beethoven compiled extracts from the most important contemporary music books, mainly on counterpoint and the theory of the fugue. Following his death some packets containing excerpts such as these were sold. The nine manuscripts located in the Beethoven-Haus bearing the call number HCB Mh 46 are also copies which Beethoven made for his pupil. (J.R.)