LvanB - a new musical
Set in Bonn and Vienna in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, LvanB looks at the life of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of classical music's most feted concert pianists and composers.
Recognition and respect are his, but he struggles to be free of his past and his failing health, his unwitting tendency to behave against his own best interests, and the nagging feeling that his best work might be beyond his reach.
The story reaches its climax when an unexpected event suddenly enables him to rise above despair, reconcile with his friends and supporters and achieve his ultimate goal.
WALDSTEIN'S LETTER
Excellency
As your old friend, may I take the liberty of commending to you the bearer of this letter, my cherished protege and virtuoso pianist, Ludwig van Beethoven.
He wishes to be, and I believe this can be accomplished, more than Mozart and Haydn. Possibly even Handel.
As you know, I am not without a degree of accomplishments in the arts, but this young man is already like the sun to my candle.
He has been playing and composing (although the latter has not always been encouraged, I am told), from a very early age.
His character, as would be expected in such a person, has many facets. He is sometimes retiring, at others quite the opposite, volatile, indeed, but always intriguing.
He is a reader: Homer, Shakespeare, Schiller, the philosophers; and admires Napoleon. He is also a great lover of Nature, and has, which you will undoubtedly quickly discover, and appreciate, much humour about him.
There is much to him that portends greatness.
Imagine! We can play a part in this creation!
However, it can be said that he prefers to go his own way, and may have to learn that this is not always possible, or desirable.
My friend, who better than you, at the very heart of the Empire, to take on such a felicitous burden?
I beg you to do so. Take him into your heart. Be the Gardener nurturing the Green Shoots we see and love here in Bonn.
I am, Sir, as always, your devoted friend and obedient servant, etc etc etc.
Ferdinand Ernst Gabriel von Waldstein.