Franz Brunsvik und seine Ehefrau Sidonie - Fotografie eines wahrscheinlich von Bonifacius Heinrich stammenden Ölgemäldes

Hungarian Earl Anatol von Brunsvik (1745-1793) and his wife Anna (1752-1830) had five children: Therese, Franz, Josephine, Charlotte and Julietta. The three oldest - Therese, Franz and Josephine - were very musical and became friends with Ludwig van Beethoven in Vienna around 1799.

Earl Franz von Brunsvik was a gifted cellist and loved quartet playing. He was particularly close to Beethoven and even called the composer by his first name. His friendship with him was especially intensive between 1806 and 1807. During this time, Beethoven dedicated his sonata appassionata for piano in F minor, op. 57 and the piano fantasy in H major, op. 77 to Franz. From 1813 on, the relationship between both men loosened but they remained in contact by letters at least until 1814. In 1819 the Earl bacame director of the municipal theater and later married Sidonie von Justh (1801-1862), then a famous pianist.(S.B.)