James Zehm and Jim Tobin discussed Beethoven's "antisemitism": >>Beethoven was also an antisemit[e], > >If true, that would undercut my assertion distressingly, but I don't >recall any evidence of antisemitism in his correspondence, where I assume >he would have expressed such sentiments if he held them. ... Exactly, you're completely right, Jim. I've read all Beethoven's letters and I see no reason for such a serious charge. Yes, he once wrote to a publisher that he and the publisher surely would find a compromis, since they both were "no Italians, nor Jews". He also disliked kosher food, but I also do. I hope that this is not a reason to charge me of being an antisemite. On the other hand, when in Vienna a new synagoge was built, Beethoven pondered over writing music for this event. Nothing came from it, but the conversation books clearly show his interest. Beethoven was as "antisemitic" as most of his contemporaries, but by no means in our sense of the word! Some regrettable events DID happen since Beethoven's days... Regards, Joyce Maier ([log in to unmask])