2-720-422 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Seated before an old, worn-out piano', (1907). Beethoven, when he was a struggling young musician, 'made the acquaintance of a generous young nobleman...who both helped him and encouraged his talents. Count von Waldstein...called one day on Beethoven in his poor room, and found the composer, whose works he so much admired, seated before an old, worn-out piano, on which he was elaborating one of his compositions. The Count said nothing at the time, but shortly afterwards Beethoven was astonished and delighted at receiving a fine new instrument, accompanied by a message from his friend praying his acceptance of the gift.' An episode from the life of German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). From "Story-Lives of Great Musicians", by F.J. Rowbotham. [Wells Gardner, Darton & Co. Ltd, London, 1907]