Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Immortal Beloved... a love story


I'm having a "love story" kind of day.  I'm thinking back on love lost and the possibilities of love renewed.  As a result, I've been reading some great love stories and have became fascinated with that of Ludwig van Beethoven.  Beethoven never married. There are three women who are often identified with the artist but none that he actually took as his wife. After his death in 1827 at the age of 57, a letter written in three sections, was found in a drawer. It was addressed to the "Immortal Beloved," but appears never to have been sent. Scholars believe the love letter was written somewhere around 1811.  We don't know who his "Immortal Beloved" actually was, but 200 years later I can feel the passion and pain that he had for this woman.  I hear the love written everywhere... even between the lines.



Ludwig van Beethoven to the "Immortal Beloved"
c. 1811-12
Good morning, on July 7th
Even when I am in bed my thoughts rush to you, my eternally beloved, now and then joyfully, then again sadly, waiting to know whether Fate will hear our prayer--To face life I must live altogether with you or never see you. Yes, I am resolved to be a wanderer abroad until I can fly to your arms and say that I have found my true home with you and enfolded in your arms can let my soul be wafted to the realm of blessed spirits--alas, unfortunately it must be so--You will become composed, the more so you know that I am faithful to you; no other woman can ever possess my heart--never--never--Oh God, why must one be separated form her who is so dear. Yet my life in V[ienna] at present is a miserable life--Your love has made me both the happiest and the unhappiest of mortals--At my age I now need stability and regularity in my life--can this coexist with our relationship?--Angel, I have just heard that the post goes every day--and therefore I must close, so that you may receive the letter immediately--Be calm; for only by calmly considering our lives can we achieve our purpose to live together--Be calm--love me--Today--yesterday--what tearful longing for you--for you--you--my life--my all--all good wishes to you--Oh, do continue to love me--never misjudge your lover's most faithful heart.
ever yours
ever mine
ever ours.
When Beethoven died it is said his last words wer "Applause friends, the comedy is over."

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