The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-01-29
an snterestiu9 Storp,
BEETHOvEN's SONATA.
'noM THE FRENCH, BY N. I. RYAN.

from THE FRENCH, BY NJ. I. RYAN.
Some months stree, was at Rene, the birth
place Of Beethoven there met an old mu-
seician, who had known the illusIrious conpo-
ser Intimately; and from him I received the
following anecdote:
.'You are aware,' said he TO me, "that Beeth-
oven was born in house in Rheirgasse (Rhm,
,streei;) but when made his acquaintance, h,
lodged over small shop near Roen.erpiat.
(Roman plaza.) He was very poor, so poor.
that he only went to walk at night, on accom-
Of the dilapidated condition Of his clothing
Nevertheless. be had piano, pens. paper, lux
and some books; and, despite his privations. h.
sometimes found moment of pleasure. II,
was not ct deaf, aud could at least enjoy the
harmony Of his own compositions. AT a later
period, this consolation no longer remained TO
him. ".'
s'One winters evening I visited him, hop
ing to persuade him to take walk, aid after
ward take supper with me. found him seat
ed at the window, In the light of the clear
moon, without fire or candle, his face hidden
in his hands, ard his whole frame shverins
with cold-fcr it was freezing fast. l aroused
him from his lethargy. persuaded him to ac-
company me, and exhorted him 10 shake off mis-
sadness. We started, but he was despondent
tha. evening, and refused my consolation.
''I hate the worldD said he vehemently. 81
Eate myself. No one comprehends or disqui-
cts himself about me. have genius, yet am
treated as Pariah. have a heart, vet no
one to love. wish that all was over and for
ever! would like TO be quietly stretched be-
low that wave yonder. There are moments
~hen can scarcely resist the temptation OF
casting myself into it.'
"And he pointed TO the Rhine, the large
Rhine, whose frozen waves twinkled in the
light Of the clear moon. made 0 reply Il
was useless to dispute with Beethoven, and
allowed him to continue inlhis stl ain. He on.
ly ceased when we re-entsred the city, and
then relaps i into mournful silence. We
trayeIsed dark, narrow street, adjoining the
Coblenz gate. sudd My he stopped.
'ssHush!' said he, what noise is that?'
81 lis,e ,enet., and heard the faint 10. es OF an
old harpsichord issuing from some house, a
little distance Oft. 1t was a plainti,e melody
in triple measure; and, notwithstanding the
poorness OF the instrument, the performer gave
TO the piece great tenderness of expression
Beethoven regarded me with spar king eye.
".That is taken from my symphony in Ftp
said he. 'Yonder is the house. Listen!--how
well it is playeu!'
.srhe house was small and humble; light
glmnered through the clefls OF the shutters
We stopped to listen. The performer con-
tinued, and the two following gtsnzas were
executed with the same fidelity, the same ex-
preston. In the middle of the final one. there
was sudden interruption-a silence Il mo-
ment. Then was heard suppressed Sigh.
"'I cannot continue said female voice.
4 can play no longer this evening, Frede-
kcK.' t.aA
"sWhv, nv sister?'
"I scarcely know the reason, unless it is
because the composition is so beautiful, That |
feel totally incapable of doing il justice. Oh!
what would not give to 60 this evening to
Colognei There is concert there at the
Karf haas, and all kinds II beautiful music.
How delightful it must bep
"sAh! dear sister, said Frederick, signing,
zone must be rich to procure that pleasure
OF what use is regret when there is no remed Y?
We can scarcely pay our rent-why think of
things that are beyond our reach?'
"sYou are right, Frederick. Nevertheless
Whenever play hsve,a desire to hear once
10 my life good music, well executed. But II
is Useless, useless!'
9There was something singnlarly touching
in the tone and repetition Of these last words.
Beethoven regarded me. - =.
'sLetus goinr he said abruptly. ~
".Go imp exclaimed l. .why shall we 60 in?'
"T will play for herr be replied, with viva
city. 'she possesses feeling, genius. iltelli-
gence; viii play for her, and she will appre-
ciats me.
"And before could detain him, he had
raised his hand to the door II was only latch
q, aud easily opened. FOLLOWED him through
dark passage, toward half-Opeaed door on
the right. He pushed II, and we found our
selves in an unfurnishsd chamber, with astove
aed sfsw srt:elsso II furniture st one Hpd. A