“When Will the Time Finally Come When There Will Only Be Humans”: An Unknown Letter from Beethoven to Heinrich von Struve

Authors

Julia Ronge, Beethoven-Haus, BonnFollow

Abstract

Transcription, translation, and discussion of a recently discovered letter from Ludwig van Beethoven to Heinrich von Struve from 1795. In the letter, Beethoven expresses a yearning for a time when there are only humans, without distinctions of rank and class. This sentiment accords with Schiller’s ode An die Freude, which Beethoven set to music more than once.

Recommended Citation

Ronge, Julia (2022) "“When Will the Time Finally Come When There Will Only Be Humans”: An Unknown Letter from Beethoven to Heinrich von Struve," Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies: Vol. 35, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55917/2771-3938.1002
Available at: https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/beethovenjournal/vol35/iss1/2