Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-01-13
LAST MOMENTS OF BEETHOVEN.
TOUCHING STORY. - =

and that moment Killed MIN: -
He lived in poverty, driven into solitude
by the contempt of the world, and by the
natural bent of disposition rendered harsh,
almost savage, by the injustice of his conteln-
poraries.
But he wrote the sublimest music that ever
man or angel dreamed. He spoke to man
kind in his divine language, and they dis
dained to listen to him. He spoke to them as
Nature speaks in the celestial harmony Of the
winds, the waves, the singing of the birds
amidst the weeds. Beethoven was prophet,
and his ntterance was from Gds . ~
And YET his talent was so disregarded that
he was destined more than once to suffer the
bitterest agonysof the, ,poetyf the artisan, the
musician. He doubted his own genius.
Haydn himself could find for him no bet
ter praise than in saying, HE is O eleuer
pianist" Thus was it said of Gericault, "He
blends his colors we'll )" and thus of Goethe,
"He has tolerable style, and he commits no
faults in photography" .,......
Beethoven had but one friend, and that
friend was Hummel. But poverty, and injus-
tice hadfrritated him, and he was sometimes
unjust himself. He quarreled with Hummel,
and for long time they ceased to meet. To
crown his misfortunes, he became completely
deaf
Then Beethoven retired to Baden, where
he lived isolated and sad.
In the midst of his solitary dreaming, a let,
ter arrived which brought him back, despite
himself, to the affairs Of the world, where new
griefs awaited him. - ! - -
,
A nephew whom he had brought up, and to
whom he was attached by the good Offices he
had himself performed for the youth, wrote
to implore his uncle's presence at Vienna.
He had become involed in some disastrous
business, from which his elder relative alone
could release him., .,,,.,.,
Beethoven set off upon his journey, and
compelled by the necessity of economy, &C
complBhed part of the distance on foot One
evening he stopped before the gate of small,
mean-looking house and solicited shelter. He
had already several leagues to traverse be-
fore reaching Vienna, and his strength would
not enable him to continue any longer on the
road. They received him with hospitality ;
he partook of their supper, andsthen was in
stalled in the masters chair by the freside.
When the table was cleaned, the father of
the family arose and opened an old clavecin.
The three sons took each a violin, and the
mother and daughter occupied themselves in
some domestic work.
The father gave the keynote, and all four
began playing with that unity Of precision,
that innate genius, which is peculiar only to
the people of Germany. 1t seemed that they
were deeply interested in what they played,
for their whole souls were in the instruments.
The two women 'desisted from their occupation
to listen, and their gentle countenances ex-
pressed the emotions of their hearts. To OBJ
serve all this was the only share Beethoven
could take in what was passing, for he did
not hear single note.
When they had finished, they shook each
others hands warmly, as if to congratulate
themselves on community Of happiness.
Then they appeared to consult together; they
resumed their instruments they commenced
again. This time their enthusiasm reached
its height their eyes we're filled with tears,
and the color mounted to their cheeks.
"My friends" said Beethoven, ri am very
unhappy that can take no part in the de-
light which you experience, for | also love
music; but, as you see, am so deaf that l
cannot hear any sound. Let me read this
music which produces in you so sweet and
lovely emotions" =
He took the paper in his hand, his eyes
grew dim, his breath came short and fast :; then
he dropped the music, and burst into tears.
These peasants had been playing the al!e'
oretto of Beethouen's symphony in a.
The whole family surrounded him with
signs of curiosity and surprise.
For some moments his convulsive sobs i'm.
peded his utterance then he raised his head
and said, II am Beethoven"
And they uncovered their heads and bent
before him in respectful silence. Beethoven
extended his hands to them, and they pressed
them, kissed, wept over them; for they knew
that they had among them man who was
greater than king.
Beethoven held out his arms and embraced
them all. All at once he rose up, and, sitting
down to the clavecin, signed to the young
men to take up their violins, and himself per-
formed the piano part of Of this chef evre.
The performers we're alike inspired; never
was music more divine or better executed.
Half the night passed away thus, and the
peasants listened Those were the last &C
cents of the dying swan. The father COM
pelled him to accept his own bed but during
the night Beethoven was restless and fevered.
They sent to Vienna for physician; dropsy
on the chest was found to have declared itself,
and in two days, despite every care and skill,
the doctor said that Beethoven must die.
As he lay on his bed pale, and suffering, a
man entered. 1t was Hummel-Hummel
his old and only friend. He heard Of the ILL
ness of Beethoven, and he came to him with
succor and money. But it was too late; Beet
hoven was speechless; and grateful smile
was all that he had to bestow upon his friend.
Hummel bent toward him, and, by the aid
of an acoustic instrument, enabled Beethoven
to hear few words of his compassion and
regret.
Beethoven seemed terminated, his eyes
shone, he struggled for utterance, and gasped,
"Is 1t not true, Hum,nel, that I haze some tai
ent, after all"
These were his last words. His eyes grew
fixed; his mouth fell open and his spirit
passed away.
They buried him in Dobling cemetery.
"THE DAY We CELEBRATE. ."-Somebody
has discovered and arranged the following,
to show how marriage anniversaries may be
celebrated systematically, correctly and accor'
ding to Hoyle-possibly:
First anniversary-Iron.
Fifth anniversary-Wooden.
Tenth anniversary-Tin.
Fifteenth anniversary-Crystal.
Twentieth anniversary-Silver.
Twenty-6fth anniversary-China.