Napoleon in 1812
Chapter 108:

19. EuropeanSummit – 5

For France, the badrelationship withAustria (and the Habsburg family) was long and tough enoughtomatchthe islanders. Now France hadcompletely defeated Austria, butnoone inside Franceignored that the Austrianswere sharpening their swords.

Theheadsofthe two countriesthat were bound to clash werealso bound by a marriage alliance. Franz I was Marie Louise’s father, and thereforeNapoleon’s father-in-law and thematernalgrandfatherofPrince Charles. Therefore, the meetingbetween Napoleon andFranzI wasvery special.

“TheEmpire (France) is veryhappythat itscompanion Austriaparticipates in thisbanquet. Austria’s cooperation is essential forEurope’spermanent and constructivepeace.”

“If FrancetrulywantspeaceinEurope, it wasonly natural to come. However, it should notbea justification to start anew war or strugglesfor interests.”

Asexpected, Franz I was suspiciousofNapoleon’s intentions. He must havewanted to pressure Napoleon, expressing thisopenly at the centerofthe party, noteven waiting for thetalkstobegin.

Napoleonturned slightly to see theman witha hookednose next to Franz I. He was thegenius of diplomacy andconspiracy, the ForeignMinisterofthe Austrian Empire, Metternich, who could rival Talleyrand-Périgord.

He would certainly notlet the Strasbourg talks flowasFrance intended. AndNapoleonwas alsopreparedfor this. He turned to theotherman, Archduke Karl Ludwig.

“I seeHis Majestythe Emperorofthe French Empire. I hope that yourcountry will always be full of prosperityand glory.”

“Long time no see, Archduke. Did youcompletely returntothe military?”

“That’s right. I couldn’t go againstthe calls of my countryand His Majesty.”

“Ifthe Archduke joins the Austrian army, it will be twice as strong. You willhave no time to rest, but it will be happy daysfor the peopleofyour country.”

At Napoleon’s praise, the escort officers of Archduke Karl tried to hidethe cornersoftheirmouths thatwere going up. The praise given by theEmperor whoconquered Europe wasthe bestpraise for their superior.

However, Archduke Karl did notloosen his stiff face and only repliedlike this.

“My presence will havenoeffect on the strength of theimperialarmy. Ifthe armybecomes stronger, itwill be theresult of the blood andsweatofloyaland passionateAustrianimperialsoldierswho wanttoprotect their country.”

Karl Ludwig wastwo years youngerthan Napoleon, but his military careerbeganearlier than his. Bythe timeNapoleonwas justgraduating from the Military Academy and wasinCorsica, Karl hadalready ledhis brigadetovictory at theBattle of Neerwinden.[1] sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Nʘvᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Karl hadshownhis genius in military since he wasvery young in both worlds.

‘Heknowshow to keepthe basics of themilitaryand use solid defense and sharp attacks. He is alwaysfaithfultothe rules and meticulouslycontrolsthe army, so clumsy deceptiondoes notwork against him.’

Hewas an enemy who gave Napoleon apickytasteina differentsensethan Wellington and Kutuzov.

At the same time, unlike Blücher, who quarreled from beginning to end, whenthe war ended andthe era of peace arrived, Napoleon andKarl exchangedseveral letters as friendswho could communicate wellwith each other. Of course, all of this was a story in the world where Napoleon originally camefrom.

“See you later then.”

“Ofcourse, Your Majesty.”

The last option left for Austria was whether to be hostiletoFrance until the end, or to holdhandswith Franceinharmony. Depending on the outcome of thischoice, theday might comewhen Napoleon hadtocompete against KarlLudwig on the battlefield.

He hoped Franz I and Metternich would not make foolishdecisions. Karl was often considered atricky opponent, butthat didnot meanhecouldnot be defeated.

Napoleon met with severalkings, emperors, andprimeministers. With Marie Louise, who arrivedlate, hefulfilled his duty as the host of the party like lawmakers campaigning forelections.

Napoleon and hiswife also met Jérôme Bonaparte, KingofWestphalia, and JoachimMurat, KingofNaples and Marshal of the Empire. The last one wasJózef Antoni Poniatowski, King of Poland.

“Poland is with the Empireforever. I am also ready to devote my entirebody to theworldthat Your Majestywill make.”

Napoleon smiledand repliedthat Poland’s mission was notover yet. The first dayofthe banquetendedlike that.

===

Themusicianwhom Franz Schubert respectedand adored themost wasLudwig van Beethoven[2], the risingstar of Vienna. Schubert, whogrew up listeningtoBeethoven’smusicsincehewas young, also had expectationsinthe carriage headingtoStrasbourg.

Even though he lived close to Beethoven, he could not even makea propername forhimself, let alone visit him.

Meanwhile, he heard thatBeethoven was also going to attend theStrasbourg banquet. Schubert thought thiswas agolden opportunity to build afriendship with him.

Since this young man wasstilla musician whose reputation and achievementswere notenough to be invitedtothe banquet, he asked AntonioSalieri[2], his teacher, for an invitation.

“There aresomany peoplehere… I wonder if we’ll managetomeet him.”

Schubert looked sullenatSalieri’s words. Of course, it was an honor to be able to attend this historicalevent, but he still wantedtomeet Beethoven…

Salieri found someonewhilepatting theshoulderofhis pitifulstudent. Itwas Goethe, a Germanscientist, philosopher, and writer.[2]

“No, how long has it been!”

“Oh! As expected, theAustrianimperialKapellmeister came too!”

“Hehehe! I wantedtosee the outside world after rottinginVienna for toolong.”

“It’sbeen toolong since we metatthe PotsdamPalace. I was alwayshungry for themusicofthe opera.”

Salieri and Goethegreeted each other happily, huggingeach other. And Schubert and Goethe, who were standing nexttoSalieri, were also introduced.

“He is the most passionate, loved and recognized person in Germany. Youhave probably heard this person’s namebefore.”

“You’re flatteringmeinfrontofthis young man. Nicetomeet you. I amJohann Wolfgang von Goethe.”

“F, Franz Schubert. Please speak comfortably. It’s hardtolisten to honorificsfrom someone who waseven minister.”

“All right, then let’s do that. Hahaha!”

Schubert could not come to his senses. Thiswas becauseheknew howgreatthe old manwho was smiling friendly in front of his eyes was.

Hisnovel, ‘TheSorrows of Young Werther’, whichhepublished 40 years ago, was truly amasterpieceofthe century, arevolving novel thatcaptivated notonly intellectuals, butalso theroyalfamily and aristocrats in Europe.

The richsensibilityand beautiful style containedinthis book still touchedthe hearts of young menand women, includingSchubert, 40 years later.

Goethe wasa writerwithout a doubt, butasa theater manager, he had created numerous theaterstages, andhewas alsowell versedinbotany, havingwritten numerous papersand books on botany.

Hisfootprints andachievements wereashigh as mountainsand as deepasthe sea. The words ‘themost passionate, loved andrecognized personinGermany’ expressed by his teacher Salieriwere notanexaggeration.

“Above all, he has a verydeep relationshipwith Beethoven, whomyou wanttomeet so much.”

At Salieri’swords, Schubert looked at Goethewith a surprised face. Goethemade a playfulsmile.

“Ich tat(I did)! I wondered whya tall young man waswith these oldpeople, butI hadsuch an inner feeling!”

“Ohreally, I didn’t know you twowere close! And I thinkit’s an honor of my life justtosee you…”

Goethelaughed andwent close to Schubert, who became red, and whisperedlike this.

“Then you don’t have to try to find him. Ifyou justsit hereand wait, Ludwig will cometoyou likeSantaClauslooking fora good child.”

Schubert could notunderstand Goethe’s words at first. Even as Goetheand Salierichatted with eachother, Schubert sat on a chair at the party table andwiggled hisfingers. But soonhecouldsee whatGoethe meant.

“I’dlike to informthe distinguishedguests in the hall about the next event. There will be aperformancebythe Kapellmeisterofthe Kassel Court Orchestra, Ludwig vanBeethoven, whovoluntarilystepped up to bless this historic event and theStrasbourg talks to be held tomorrow. Pleasewelcome himwith a warmroundofapplause!”

“Oh Gott!”

At thewordsofthe court servant, Schubert unknowingly jumped up from his seat. Goetheteased him mischievously, butSchubertcouldnot hearhim.

He did notexpect to hearBeethoven’smusichere! Schubertlooked at Beethoven in a tailcoat, appearinginthe centralhall with orchestra members.

“Apparently yourquarrel with Beethoven is completely resolved now. Seeing thatyou evenknew this surprise event in advance.”

“Hehehe! Men arecreatures, especially artistslike us, that arepickyabouttheiraesthetics andhave high self-esteem. Fortunately, itwas solved by finding a‘truehero’.”

Goethe took it for granted to bow to aristocrats androyalty, but Beethoven considered it asin to serve the nobility androyalty because all humanswere equal.

Thetwo close friendssplitupdue to these differences in values, but theyrecentlyreconciled. Itwas becauseofone person.

“Myvalues collapsed when aman who reached the topofEurope appeared eventhough he was notfrom a royal family or a famous noble family. Beethoven’s values collapsedbecause even though theleader of thishegemonyhad reachedthe highestposition, he insisted on human rights, equality, peace, andcommon values. Sowewere able to reconcile.”

Therewas no needtosay the name of thisman. Salieri smiled softly. Thistime Goetheaskedhim aquestion.

“You’ve hadmany disciples. It wouldn’t be alie to say that halfofVienna’smusicians are your students. However, there hasneverbeen a studentaccompanying you to a foreigncountry, not evenata place other than aconcert.”

“It’strue that Franz has a specialtalent and passion… As I get older, I think I’vebecome alittle morerelaxed.”

“Oh… As far as I know, there werea fewpeople who praised yourspecial talent… Ludwig was oneofthem, right?”

“Hehe… Is thatso?”

Salieribrushed it off, but he could notavoidGoethe’seyes. Goethe decidedtorememberFranzSchubert’s name. Beethovenand the orchestrawere ready to play. Beethoven’s baton moved as thelights in the central hallfaded.

===

Recently, there hadbeen somethinginBeethoven’smind that had causedhim troubles and anguish. Beethoventhought about it several times aday and changed his mind overand overagain. He could not decidewhether to disclose it to theworldornot. Then one day, he heard shocking news.

…omitted… Nowwehave to stop thiswheelofbloodthat only burns human potential without development. This cannot be achieved by thewill of only one country. Therefore, we insist on holding regularmeetingsthat will leadthe new erabyestablishing new cooperative relationships and systems betweenEuropeancountries and seeking harmonyand coexistence.

ThedeclarationofCarnot, theMinisterofthe Administration of the FrenchEmpire, wasa newwind andshocked people. In particular, no one thought thatNapoleon, the conquering war god, and France, thatoverturned Western European tradition, wouldlead this.

Thatday, Beethoventook outthe cover of the sheet music that he had buriedinhis heart for a longtime.

‘I thought thatI would never take it out again duetothe hero’s alteration.’

It wasthe cover containingthe ‘true name’ of his most cherished sheet music.

Beethovenvolunteeredtobethe conductor fora huge performance on December 31, thesecond day of thehistoricStrasbourg banquet and thelast dayof1817. And the score selected as theperformancesong forthis time was ‘Eroica’, ‘hero’.

“I hopethat true peace and stabilityinEurope willarrive and that laughter and hope willnot disappear from the citizens’ faces. I dedicatethis song to all therulers who will participate in the talks.”

Clap clap clapclap clap clap!!

Theimmortalmasterpiecewas reborn by thehandsofits original author. The intensesoundofthe violin caughtthe beginning. Soon after, the first movement, which wasconsidered very violent, started.

A cheerful yetmagnificentmelody, a rhythm that changedarbitrarilybut overflowedwith infinite strength, and harmonythat firmlypushed toward onetopicinthe midst of dissonanceand changes.

Althoughthe stage was suddenly created, there wasnohesitation or awkwardness. The audience admiredendlessly.

The secondmovementwas gloomy anddark. Itkilled the excitement of the first movement at once and ledthe atmosphere. The audience waslooking aroundtosee if the lightsonthe ceilinghad weakened, buttherewas nothingwrongwith thechandelier.

At theend of the secondmovement, about 40 minuteshad passed. And likethat, half of thesymphonyperformancetime ended.

Beethovenstopped conducting for a while and raisedhis head. A drop of sweat dropped fromhis chin. His gaze reachedthe indoor balcony on the third floor of thecentral hall. Thecharacter standing there was Napoleon Bonaparte. Beethoven openedhis mouth.

“This songiscalled Eroica. Itmeans‘hero’ in Italian. But that wasn’t thename I had initiallychosen for this song.”

Beethoven, who was theonly onewho could not hear the buzzing sound inside thehall full of surprise, continuedtospeakcalmly.

“Nowmysong hasfinally regained itstrue name: ‘Eroica Buonaparte’! Pleasecall this songlike this fromnow on. I willreplace itstitlefrom today onward.”

(Buonaparte is Bonaparte’s Italian pronunciation)

Therewas amoment of silence. But soon after, a feast of applause roseinthe hallasiftrying to fillit. In it, Beethovenlooked at Napoleon, whohad his eyes wideopen as if surprised.

Beethoven could not believe thathecouldpull that expressionout of the giant of thetimesthat turnedEurope upside down. He felt pleasedfor somereason.

Then… Let’sstartthe third movement of ‘EroicaBuonaparte’.”

Somedisturbances remained, butthe performance resumed. Faster beats, trumpets, restrainedmelodies… Itwas as if to represent thelast trial that the hero Napoleon was facing. Soonafter, as it enteredthe fourth movement, a march of variations continued.

Thetrialthat bothered thehero eventually failed to stop his great steps. The herosoared intothe sky. And it remained an immortal myth. Thatwas how thefourth movement ended. A thunderousroundofapplausebrokeout. Beethovenbreathedheavily in thehot waves.

European aristocrats and celebrities alike gotupfrom their seats, and applause continued. Beethoven smiled as he lookedatthe standing ovationofEroica’strue owner.

TL notes

[1]Archduke Karl Ludwig,Battle of Neerwinden

[2]Franz Schubert,Ludwigvan Beethoven,Antonio Salieri,Johann Wolfgang vonGoethe

Sᴇarch the N0vᴇlFire(.)nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.