Beethoven often mentioned in his letters that he was suffering from illness, but in Sept. 1814 he was a bit more explicit:
Unfortunately my health some time ago suffered a severe blow owing to an inflammation of my intestines, which brought me almost to death’s door. But I am now much better, although I am not yet completely recovered — It is sad that a certain formation of the human body must also pay its tribute to the weakness of nature … (Emily Anderson, Beethoven Letters, No. 493)
Beethoven probably wrote his three-part canon “Freundschaft ist die Quelle” (dated 20 September 1814) for Count Lichnowsky. The text translates as “Friendship is the source of true bliss.”
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Canon “Freundschaft ist die Quelle” (WoO 164), 1814
There is no live performance on Facebook. This is a studio recording.
Found in one of Beethoven’s Autumn 1814 sketchbooks was the musical joke “Ich bin der Herr von zu, Du bist der Herr von von” (WoO 199). It was probably intended for a letter to Archduke Rudolph dated 30 November 1814, but it was not included in that letter.
The text translates as “I am the master of ‘to.’ You are the master of ‘from.’” Beethoven seems to be indicating that the benefits of their friendship extend from the Archduke to Beethoven. Of course, the word “von” also indicates an aristocratic name.
Beethoven’s sketch was not written as a canon. It is generally performed as a canon by offsetting the melody among multiple voices.
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Canon “Ich bin der Herr von zu, Du bist der Herr von von” (WoO 199), 1814
This recording features solo sopranos. (Ad alert!)
#Beethoven250 Day 274
Musical joke “Ich bin der Herr von zu, Du bist der Herr von von” (WoO 199), 1814
In this recording, a chorus begins in unison and then divides into parts. (Ad alert!)