Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826, Volume 1

Beethoven's letters up to 1816. These include details of the theft of some of his music, trials caring for his nephew, difficulties in finding trustworthy servants, the sale of his music in England, his generally poor health, and many other interesting goings-on. The first volume of Ludwig van Beethoven's letters covers the period from his youth as an ambitious and fledgling young talent living in Vienna, to his peak years wherein he saw musical composition not merely as a career, but as his life's purpose.  Early in his career, Beethoven's writings are divided between professional correspondence between members of the aristocracy who sponsored him; and tender missives to young women whom he desired to court; and a few close and valued friends. Reliant on the patronage of the wealthy, it is during this period that Beethoven penned many fine works.  Beethoven was however hampered by romantic failures owing to his lower social class - Josephine Brunsvik, an aristocratic woman who reciprocated his advances, is eventually forced to break off the relationship. Later, in confessing his feelings to his 'Immortal Beloved', it is apparent that Beethoven suffered with depression. (Amazon)