With the help of God. Beethoven.

Once a young German composer sent the notes of his big debut work to Ludwig van Beethoven himself. The fellow treated Beethoven with high and sincere respect. In his letter the young man asked the genious composer whose great talent he seemed to appreciate so much to examine his work, say if it was good enough and express his emotions and reflections concerning what he would hear. On the last page of the score the lad wrote: ‘Finished with the help of God’.

Beethoven had a rather good and positive review of the work of inexperienced composer. He realized that the opinion of a man of such authority was very important for him. The master even found time to make some corrections in notes.

Naturally, when the young man received a letter from his idol in which the great composer expressed his approval, he felt deliriously happy as though he had already achieved the world’s recognition. He carefully read each mark and note written on the score by Beethoven himself over and over again. As the beginning composer reached the last page, he noticed that there was a new commentary of the Master written next to his one: ‘Mortal, rely only on your own abilities!’ – Beethoven wrote immodestly.