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Anton Schindler, Brief an Ignaz Moscheles in London, Wien, 24. März 1827, Autograph

Beethoven-Haus Bonn, Sammlung Wegeler, W 33

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"Wenn Sie diese Zeilen lesen, wandelt unser Freund nicht mehr unter den Lebenden". (When you are reading these lines, our friend has left us.) Schindler retained Beethoven's last letter to Moscheles from March 18th on purpose as he feared for the composer's soon death. He effusively relates about Beethoven's deteriorating state of health, saying that Beethoven's strength was dwindling and that they all hoped he would soon be relieved from his sufferance: "Seine Auflösung geht mit Riesenschritten, und es ist nur ein Wunsch unser aller, ihn bald von diesen schrecklichen Leiden erlöset zu sehn." The testamentary matters have been clarified (antique furniture and manuscripts as well as two unfinished pieces, a symphony and a string quintet). The funeral costs and other expenses are to be paid using the remaining money provided by the Philharmonic Society. Beethoven, who against Schindler's advice withdrew the entire sum of 1,000 florins, was very happy about the gift. Schindler finds himself in a quandary because Beethoven allegedly did not want anybody else next to him except for Schindler. (FG)

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