The Ruins of Babylon

Greatness in ruins-it was a popular theme for poets and composers in the early 19th century. A little too popular as far as Beethoven was concerned. In July 1811, he found himself being upstaged, and he wrote to a Viennese theater director to do something about it.

Your Excellency-I hear that the actor Scholz will shortly be giving as a benefit for the Theater An der Wien the melodrama The Ruins of Babylon. I wished to write an opera on the subject, as I have already announced to you. I cannot comprehend this complication! I dare say you know nothing about it? Whatever it may be, you can be sure that the melodrama given at the Wieden will fill the house five, maybe six times. the music for it is dreadful stuff. As an opera the story will become an enduring work, beyond compare, and will bring further monetary advantage to your theater.

It’s so hard to find a good book this year. Since last year I have returned at least twelve, maybe more. I’ve paid out of my own pocket and still couldn’t get anything usefull. Now, for the sake of an actor’s assets, there will occur for me-and I assert it boldly-a deficit for your theater.

I hope, with your better judgment, that you will prevent the actor Scholz from giving this melodrama, since I have already informed you of my intention to treat it as an opera. I was so glad to have found this subject that I myself informed the Archduke of it, and many other men of intellect, and everyone thought it was excellent. I have even written to foreign language newspapers to have an announcement inserted to prevent the subject from being used for an opera elsewhere. And now I have to withdraw my plan? And for such a wretched reason?

I waiting to hear from you and beg you to send me an answer quickly, so that I’ll know how I stand in this situation. Otherwise too much time will be lost.

Beethoven never wrote the opera.