Franz Grillparzer (1791-1872) - Fotografie einer Zeichnung von Joseph Schmeller

Austrian poet and dramatist Franz Grillparzer showed a deep interest in music and had a good musical education. (Simon Sechter was his teacher in music theory.) Still a child, he met Ludwig van Beethoven and the friendship between the two would last a lifetime.

In 1823 Grillparzer and Beethoven planned to work on an opera, favouring two themes: "Drahomira" and "Melusine". Even though Beethoven seemed to have started with setting "Melusine" to music, there are no drafts or notes.

Despite the project's failure, Grillparzer continued admiring Beethoven and wrote an emotional funeral eulogy for Beethoven's funeral on March 29th, 1827.(S.B.)