In the summer of 1796 Beethoven visited Berlin. He stayed there for two months in June and July. The current Prussian king Frederick William II was a music enthusiast (played cello) and supporter of musicians. The Prussian court boasted some fine players, among them most worthy to mention were the cello virtuosos Duport brothers, Jean-Louis and Jean Pierre and pianist Friedrich Heinrich Himmel.
Beethoven himself had a commission by the king to compose two cello pieces, something he did in a worthy manner. During the stay he had many concerts, both at noble houses and at the king’s court. He made powerful impression in general and as a result King Frederick William tried to make him stay in Berlin – something Beethoven kindly refused.
One day the court pianist Himmel proposed Beethoven the idea to play and improvise for each other. He regarded Himmel as a fine player, elegant and pleasing, but nothing more.
Beethoven was the first, then Himmel. As the second player tried his best, after some time Ludwig lost his patience and asked, “Well, when will you start playing for real?” Himmel jumped up and felt insulted. This time Beethoven was not provoking, as later he told the story to Ries, he said “I thought that Himmel had been only preluding a bit.” The two finally had reconciled, but Himmel never forgot the case.
Later, after Beethoven had returned to Vienna, the two exchanged more letters. Himmel decided it was payback time! Our young composer always asked for news from Berlin. Himmel this time wrote him that there is a new scientific sensation, a lamp for the blind had been invented! Beethoven was delighted and ran about the news all over Vienna…
In his reply he had asked for more information, but when he opened Himmel’s next letter and realized he was played, the correspondence and relationship suddenly ended…
