Interesting take on the Heiligenstadt testament in the Solomon biography, have you looked at it? Also, I never got the impression he was eclipsed by Rossini, in estimation as an artist. His injunction to Rossini to "stick with the buffa" was well known. Around that time, though, he went through his "dry period" of several years where he wrote nothing but schlock. When he came out of it in his late years, I don't think he was even trying for popularity, but something else.
Just thoughts.
> Also, I never got the impression he was eclipsed by Rossini, in estimation as an artist.
In popularity I meant--or so I've read. Rossini was quite new, and sounds so. Thanks for recommending the Solomon biography.
> Around that time, though, he went through his "dry period" of several years where he wrote nothing but schlock.
Kind of up and down I guess. Battle Symphony (Op. 91 1813), yes schlock. But the 7th Symphony (Op. 92, same year) pure magic. But till 1818 for Hammerklavier and the 20s gave Missa Solemnis the great final years.