Appendix A - Anton Schindler’s Acquaintance with Beethoven (March, 1814–May, 1824)

Summary

In January, 1823, Anton Schindler (1795–1864), a former university student and law clerk who had recently turned professional violinist as concertmaster at the theater in suburban Josephstadt, began serving as Beethoven's part-time and unpaid secretary for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions to the Missa solemnis, and soon for other functions as well. Schindler's musical background and his earlier acquaintance with Beethoven have often been misunderstood or misrepresented, and so a review of them, in light of recent research concerning Vienna's orchestras and concert life in Beethoven's time, seems warranted here. For the first years, a relatively simple chronology may serve objectivity the best.

Various “Associations” through November, 1822

1795 (June 13): Schindler was born in Meedl (today Medlov), Moravia, ca. 16 miles northwest of Olmütz. His Counter-Reformation schoolteacher father initially taught him violin. He became a Sängerknabe at the St. Mauritz Church (1492) in Olmütz, where he also continued his study of the violin and keyboard, and entered the Gymnasium there.

1813 (fall): Schindler went to Vienna to study law at the university.

1813–1814 (winter): Schindler joined an amateur orchestra that rehearsed in the home of Anton Pettenkofer. Future jurist Leopold Sonnleithner (1797–1873) also played there and confirmed Schindler's participation.

1813 (December 8 and 12), attendance: On December 8 and 12, 1813, Beethoven and mechanic Johann Nepomuk Maelzel organized two gigantic war benefit concerts in the Aula of the university. The almost fully professional orchestra consisted of ca. 113 musicians from most of Vienna's theaters and private ensembles. The programs included the premieres of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 and Wellington's Victory, the latter especially popular with the patriotic audiences. Schindler must have attended at least one of these concerts in the Aula in order to make his comparison with the Grosser Redoutensaal below.

1814 (January 2), attendance: On January 2, 1814, Beethoven gave a third performance for his own benefit in the more spacious Grosser Redoutensaal. The program included Symphony No. 7, excerpts from The Ruins of Athens, and the popular Wellington's Victory. Schindler attended this third concert and commented how Wellington's Victory gained from having opposing corridors in which to place the bands representing the advancing armies.