L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: Zellner, in his _Blätter für Musik_, relates what follows on
Czerny's own authority:--In 1818 Czerny was requested by Beethoven in a
letter (which he presented some years ago to Cocks, the London music
publisher) to play at one of his last concerts in the large _Redoutensaal_,
his E flat major Concerto, Op. 73. Czerny answered, in accordance with the
truth, that having gained his livelihood entirely for many years past by
giving lessons on the piano, for more than twelve hours daily, he had so
completely laid aside his pianoforte playing, that he could not venture to
attempt playing the concerto properly within the course of a few days
(which Beethoven desired). On which he received, in the above letter, a
touching proof of Beethoven's sympathy. He also learned subsequently that
Beethoven had exerted himself to procure him a permanent situation.]


256.

TO F. RIES,--LONDON.

Vienna, March 5, 1818.

MY DEAR RIES,--

In spite of my wishes it was impossible for me to go to London this year
[see No. 236]. I beg you will apprise the Philharmonic Society that my
feeble health prevented my coming; I trust, however, I shall be entirely
restored this spring, so that in the autumn I may avail myself of their
offers and fulfil all their conditions.