Partial LS in German, signed “Ludwig van Beethoven,” one page, 7.5 x 3, July 23, 1823. The closing lines of a letter to King Frederick Augustus I of Saxony, in part (translated): "then the same would be able to predict the best of success for his fame as well as for his benefit." Attractively mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 12 x 7.75. In very good condition, with a trimmed top edge, light creasing to the right side, and three blocks of light toning. As may be inferred from the date, this must be the invitation to the King of Saxony for subscription of the 'Missa solemnis,' which was sent to Hans Heinrich Count Könneritz in Dresden on July 25, 1823.
During Beethoven's lifetime, the Missa Solemnis was widely considered his masterpiece. It was this piece to which he dedicated the most time and intense effort, working on it over the course of four years from 1819 to 1823. In 1823, he invited the most important European courts to subscribe to the Missa solemnis; although most of these solicitations were unsuccessful, King Frederick Augustus I of Saxony indeed subscribed. Structured as a mass in five movements, the Missa solemnis stands as one of Beethoven's supreme achievements. A superb Beethoven autograph related to the funding of a musical masterpiece.
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