How Beethoven invented the freelance artist

Beethoven was the son of a court musician and grandson of the former Court Kapellmeister. No wonder that he also entered the service of the Elector of Cologne as court musician. At the age of 14, Beethoven became a permanently employed second court organist - and received a salary of 150 gulden.

In 1792 Beehtoven went to Vienna to study - from where he should not return. The Elector granted him a leave of absence and a scholarship of 100 Reichstaler. However, this was hardly enough to pay the rents in Vienna. So Beethoven had to teach and perform.

Beethoven quickly secured influential patrons for his performances in Viennese aristocratic society. Prince Karl von Lichnowsky provided Beethoven with 600 guilders per year - until Beethoven would have a secure income.

But even Lichnowsky's money was not enough to make a court. For food, rent and clothing alone, around 1,000 guilders were already in short supply, as can be seen from this overview from 1809. In contrast to today, food was the most expensive thing at that time.

"We now pay 30 guilders for a pair of boots, 60 also 70 for a skirt, etc. The executioner gets the economic-musical - my 4000 guilders were something last year before the French came, this year it is not even 1000 guilders convention money".

Due to his financial constraints and the increasing distrust, which was reinforced by his deafness, Beethoven forced his housekeepers to keep records of all errands. Beethoven checked the listings and finally crossed the page out.

Because of his hearing loss, Beethoven could hardly perform as a performing musician. Therefore, the fees he received from his publishers were probably his most important source of income. Patrons were also able to secure exclusive rights with him for a few months.

During his negotiations, however, Beethoven sometimes speculated too much. He tried to sell his Missa Solemnis to several publishers. Even 10 royal courts ordered "their" copy. Exclusive looks different!

A composer must also build up a fortune. If Beethoven had had to pay 500 guilders per share in 1819, the share price had more than doubled in March 1825 to 1202 guilders. But Beethoven did not think of himself - he saved the fortune for his nephew Karl.

Actually, Beethoven wanted his nephew to inherit everything. But he feared that he would support his mother, whom Beethoven hated. A few days before his death, Beethoven changed his will. When he died, he belonged to the richest 5 percent of Vienna.

Although Beethoven did not have to gnaw on his hunger cloth, his worries about money were more than justified. Beethoven did not have a permanent job and always had to look for new sources of income. A real freelancer, that's what he was!