CHAPTER I. The Year 1803--Cherubini’s Operas in Vienna

and Rivalry between Schikaneder and the Imperial Theatres--Beethoven’s Engagement at the Theater-an-der-Wien --“Christus am Ölberg” again--Bridgetower and the “Kreutzer” Sonata--Career of the Violinist--Negotiations with Thomson for the Scottish Songs--New Friends--Willibrord Mähler’s Portrait of Beethoven--Compositions of the Year--A Pianoforte from Erard 1