Axel Rudi Pell - Prisoners Of The Sea

An agreement (“decree") between Beethoven and three philanthropists was signed in Vienna on March 1, 1809. Archduke Rudolph, Prince Franz Josef Maximilian Lobkowitz, and Prince Ferdinand Kinsky pledged to pay Beethoven four thousand florins for life annually. The only condition set for Beethoven was to reside permanently in Vienna or in any other city within the Austrian Empire. He had the right to travel abroad with concerts or for treatment, but in such cases the consent of his patrons was required. The subsidy, according to the contract, would be paid even if Beethoven could not compose due to illness or old age. Financial obligations also extended to the heirs of the “triumvirs”; Beethoven declared his willingness to voluntarily abandon the subsidy,as soon as he is offered an equivalent position in income at the Vienna court. Archduke Rudolph took upon himself the payment of 1,500 florins, Prince Lobkowitz - 700, and the most impressive share fell on Prince Kinsky - 1,800 florins.