Somehow, July the 6th and July the 7th of 1812 are important dates in the history of letter-writing. On those dates, a famous artist sent three letters to a beloved of his, whose identity has not yet been fully revealed. Who was he?

gtho4

Ludwig van Beethoven http://home.swipnet.se/~w-15266/cultur/ludwig/beeim.htm Background After Beethoven's death in March 1827 two documents were discovered in his desk. These were the Heiligenstadt Testament and the love letters shown above. The passionate feelings manifested in these letters where addressed to a person unknown. Many have speculated over whom might be the recipient, made more difficult by the fact that there is no year or place given on the letters. But Solomon, following Beethoven's date on the letters, his movement during the period (1812) and studying the persons close to Beethoven, has come to the solution that Antoine Brentano must be the answer, now generally accepted as being correct. [Text added from provided link -- Zb] Aug 17 09, 9:54 AM

serpa

This website says it is Antonie Brentano. Antonie von Birkenstock was born in Vienna on May 28, 1780, thus 10 years younger than Beethoven. ... Antonie's sister-in-law Bettina Brentano introduced her to Beethoven for the first time. The Brentano's remained in Vienna until late in 1812 - she didn't like Frankfurt much and was ill most of the time. During her illnesses Beethoven would often play the piano for her. The Immortal Beloved letters were written at a time when it was evident that she would be leaving Vienna. After her departure at the end of 1812 she and Beethoven never met again. Antonie Brentano died in 1869 at the age of 89. http://home.swipnet.se/~w-15266/cultur/ludwig/beeim.htm Aug 17 09, 12:14 PM

star_gazer

This movie tells the story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immortal_Beloved_(film) Aug 17 09, 5:43 PM