Arch Enemy - Burning Bridges

Beethoven's letter of thanks to Stumpf, however, contained a request for help. Beethoven believed that the London Philharmonic Society could arrange a concert in his favor and help him out of financial difficulties. Similar requests were sent to members of the leadership of the Philharmonic Society who personally knew Beethoven: Ignatius Mosheles and George Smart. They all responded very quickly. Already on February 28, the meeting of the Presidium decided to organize such a concert, but since it required preparation, and help was needed immediately, it was decided to send Beethoven £ 100 (about a thousand florins) in advance. Why no rich Viennese music lovers ever realized unselfishly supporting Beethoven with money is now impossible to say. Perhaps these people, who were not in his immediate circle, might simply not knowhow difficult is his position. Of course, there was no talk of complete impoverishment, but Beethoven's money quickly melted away - by mid-March there were only 340 florins left - and he preferred to save on himself, in no case touching the inheritance intended for Karl.