ABSTRACT
The project of a trip to England was revived by a visit from Johann Stumpff, a Thuringian resident in London. Stumpff records that Ludwig van Beethoven lauded England and the English, and showed "an exaggerated opinion of London and its highly cultivated inhabitants". The following year of 1824 almost brought the oft-projected English tour to fruition. On behalf of the Philharmonic Society Neate wrote, inviting Beethoven to conduct at least one of his works at each concert during the coming season, and to compose a symphony to be produced by the Society. Schindler had been Beethoven's loyal helper since 1814—even publishing his devotion by inscribing on his visiting-cards "Friend of Beethoven". In the summer of 1825 came a visit from Sir George Smart, then touring Germany with Kemble. His main object in calling on Beethoven was to ascertain direct from the composer the exact tempi of the movements of various Symphonies, especially the ninth.
