The effects of Beethoven’s nephew Karl’s mistake

Previously, there has been argument over whether Beethoven’s Ninth tempo for the trio should be half note = 116 and dotted quarter = 84 for the march. It seems that these tempo markings are wrong. According to well respected musician, Lukas Foss who “strenuously objected to the grounds that half note = 116”, the trio was not intended to be played at 116 as it was never intended to be experienced as Presto. A Musical America article from 1989 titled DID KARL GET IT WRONG? explains the dilemma…

The article explains that Beethoven is not to blame for this misconception but rather his nephew Karl is the one to blame. I find it quite funny that a couple of little mistakes from Beethoven’s nephew can drastically change the way historic Symphonies are played. Not only is the ninth symphony played without the intended tempos but this little mistake created a feud between Benjamin Zander the music director at the Boston Philharmonic and Bill Malloch. Things inevitably get lost in translation.. or if that is not the case, your nephew Karl doesn't get the tempo markings correct and you sign the letter forever marking your name on a letter that displays incorrect tempo markings on one, if not the most, popular of your symphonies. Freakin’ Karl!