Beethoven's Conversation Books

[Quijote]

What I also like about the translation is that it has none of that stiff, cod-19th century "parlance" about it. Once again, tip-top work from Prof. Albrecht.

[Peter]

Well, 3 years after I posted the above I finally bought Volumes 1 & 3. Volume 2 is presently too expensive post-Brexit. Volume IV should be out in October, I believe.

I'm very happy to have these two volumes though I can hardly call it a "fluid read" due to the numerous and dense footnotes on practically every page.
Nobody has anything to say about the Albrecht article I posted above regarding Schindler's "decriminalization"?

I agree about the copious footnotes. I haven't considered purchasing further volumes simply due to justifying that expense as I'm not sure I was much illuminated. I suppose we have to be grateful that Schindler kept any of these and ask would anyone else have bothered?

[Fidelio]

I'm awaiting Vol.4, due to be released 22 October. Albrecht has so far done a wonderful job.
Has anyone read Susan Lund's book 'A flavour of Beethoven's Conversation Books, Vol 1?

[euphony131]

Wow, you guys are true completists to be buying all these volumes. Doubtless, there will be some interesting tidbits. Would you guys consider putting up some of the more fascinating correspondence on this site?

I'm speaking of stuff like inspiration or personal hopes and musical insights. I'll pass on the "sausage casings" or how many coffee beans were counted on Thursday or which shoemaker is the best.

[Fidelio]

These are somewhat of a one sided conversation.......we never know Beethoven's reply.

[Quijote]

Wow, you guys are true completists to be buying all these volumes. Doubtless, there will be some interesting tidbits. Would you guys consider putting up some of the more fascinating correspondence on this site?

I'm speaking of stuff like inspiration or personal hopes and musical insights. I'll pass on the "sausage casings" or how many coffee beans were counted on Thursday or which shoemaker is the best.

Sure, I'll keep you posted about the more musical stuff as I plough through the 2 volumes I have. I assume Fidelio will be happy to do likewise...
That said, I do rather like reading the mundane, everyday stuff such as sausage casings and so on; I understand that there's some pretty salacious stuff in these conversation books (locker room talk, I suppose you could say) and I can't wait to read such entries!

[Quijote]

These are somewhat of a one sided conversation.......we never know Beethoven's reply.

Well, that's not entirely right, is it? When Beethoven thought he might be overheard discussing a delicate subject, he did in fact make a written reply in the conversation books.

[Peter]

Sure, I'll keep you posted about the more musical stuff as I plough through the 2 volumes I have. I assume Fidelio will be happy to do likewise...
That said, I do rather like reading the mundane, everyday stuff such as sausage casings and so on; I understand that there's some pretty salacious stuff in these conversation books (locker room talk, I suppose you could say) and I can't wait to read such entries!

Do share any delicious revelations!!

[Quijote]

Do share any delicious revelations!!

Hah ! OK, will do.

[Quijote]

Well, I've finished Volume 1 (February 1818 to March 1820) and have started on Volume 2 (March 1820 to September 1820).
As per Euphony 131's request above (see post #19), I won't report here about sausage casings and specialist sausages from Frankfurt (which are still served today, by the way - I checked!).
As for interesting tidbits, one running theme in Volume 1 (and so far in Volume 2) is the question repeatedly asked by Beethoven's pals as to where he is with the Missa Solemnis. We don't know Beethoven's replies but we get the feeling he's avoiding the subject!
For me, one astonishing aspect of the conversation books so far is that Beethoven went to local bar-restaurants with his friends and acquaintices practically every day, and always drinking a good quantity of wine.

[Quijote]

Other interesting entries refer to the "recent" publication of the Hammerklavier sonata and that there is no pianist in Milan able to play it! This is reported by Joseph Czerny who, you will remember, was the piano teacher of Beethoven's nephew, Karl.

[Sorrano]

Well, I've finished Volume 1 (February 1818 to March 1820) and have started on Volume 2 (March 1820 to September 1820).
As per Euphony 131's request above (see post #19), I won't report here about sausage casings and specialist sausages from Frankfurt (which are still served today, by the way - I checked!).
As for interesting tidbits, one running theme in Volume 1 (and so far in Volume 2) is the question repeatedly asked by Beethoven's pals as to where he is with the Missa Solemnis. We don't know Beethoven's replies but we get the feeling he's avoiding the subject!
For me, one astonishing aspect of the conversation books so far is that Beethoven went to local bar-restaurants with his friends and acquaintices practically every day, and always drinking a good quantity of wine.

The sausages particularly interest me, sorry Euphony!

[Hollywood]

The sausages particularly interest me, sorry Euphony!

Eating sausages and drinking wine was in Beethoven's time in Vienna, a favorite and the norm. Believe it or not that is still the same here in Vienna today in 2022. It's a Viennese tradition just like eating Wiener Schnitzel. Some things never change.

[Sorrano]

Eating sausages and drinking wine was in Beethoven's time in Vienna, a favorite and the norm. Believe it or not that is still the same here in Vienna today in 2022. It's a Viennese tradition just like eating Wiener Schnitzel. Some things never change.

I think I would love Vienna. I'm not big on wine but I love all kinds of sausages.

[Quijote]

I think I would love Vienna. I'm not big on wine but I love all kinds of sausages.

There's no doubt Sorrano that you'd love Vienna!!