Therese Brunsvik - Fotografie einer Kopie von Kallhofer nach einem Gemälde von Johann Baptist von Lampi

Therese Brunsvik de Korompa was the eldest daughter of Earl Anatol Brunsvik (1745-1793) and his wife Anna (1752-1830). In 1799, she visited Vienna together with her mother and her sister Josephine. Soon thereafter, she fist met Ludwig van Beethoven. They developed an affectionate friendship. For a short period of time, Beethoven was Therese's piano teacher. In 1810, the composer dedicated his Piano Sonata in F sharp Major, op. 78 to Therese.

The reminiscences and letters of Therese Brunsvik contain a lot of information on her relation and close friendship with Beethoven. But today it is said to be wrong that she was the recipient of Beethoven's famous letter to the "Immortal Beloved" - as earlier was stated quite frequently. The countess never married and later on engaged herself in social work.(S.B.)