This play in three acts was written 1906 by René Fauchois, a young writer. If the ending is slightly peculiar, the work is well written and was greatly appreciated when it was performed.

" Beethoven" by René Fauchois was performed for the first time at the Odéon in 1909. Then at the theatre Champs-Elysées in 1921, at the National Populaire Theatre in 1922, again at the Odéon in 1924 and then at the theatre Porte Saint-Martin in 1938.

René Fauchois played the role of Beethoven himself in 1921, 1922 and 1938.

This play in prose was written in 1940 by a Spanish writer who came to France as a refugee, and was an admirer of Beethoven. Louis Capdevila had never before written for stage. The scenery changed at each scene.

His work is particularly meaningful, because Beethoven's words are often extracts from his letters or from well-known biographies.

It is a very pleasant read... and perhaps it could be performed?

Here is another French play: Philippe Caspar, "Beethoven", L'Harmattan, 1996, 127 pages. It's a nice work, which shows Beethoven surrounded by his friends and lovers: Ries, Joséphine, Bettina, his nephew Karl, his servant...

A must.....

Michaël Lonsdale was Beethoven at the time of creation, on August 1st 1995, at the Château de la Hulpe in Belgium. It was directed by Jonathan Fox.

Does anyone have photos of this show?

Thanks to Steve for the information and scan

Here are some other French plays (my thanks to Michel Rouch for his kind help):

BEETHOVEN, DRAME LYRIQUE - 1836 - Author: F. L. Berthé - Editions Dénain Librairie - 230 pages.

LA SERENADE DE BEETHOVEN - Author: Auguste Desmoulin - The Léon Sapin theatrical and litarary library - 1906 - 34 pages. Comedy in one act, in verse. Musical director Fernand Rivière.