Ludwig Rellstab German novelist, playwright and music critic. Date of Birth: 13.04.1799 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Ludwig Rellstab
2. Satirical Tale and Legal Consequences
3. Collected Works and Autobiography
4. Musical Contributions and Noteworthy Articles
5. The Origin of the "Moonlight Sonata"

Biography of Ludwig Rellstab

Ludwig Rellstab was a German novelist, playwright, and music critic. He was born on April 13, 1799, in Berlin, Germany. Rellstab gained recognition for his remarkable novels, including "Algier und Paris" (1830), "1812" (1834), and "Drei Jahre von dreissigen" (1858). He also excelled in the field of drama, with his play "Eugen Aram," adapted from Bulwer's novel.

Satirical Tale and Legal Consequences

Rellstab became particularly famous for his satirical tale, "Henriette, die schöne Sängerin" (1827), which translates to "Henriette, the Beautiful Singer." However, this work led him to face legal consequences, as he was sentenced to imprisonment by the court. Despite this setback, Rellstab's talent and literary contributions continued to shine.

Collected Works and Autobiography

Rellstab's writings were published in various collections, including "Gesammelte Schriften" (1843), "Neue Folge" (1846), "Garten und Wald" (1854), and "Fruchtstücke" (1861). In addition, he documented his life and experiences in his autobiographical works. The first two volumes of his autobiography were titled "Aus meinem Leben" (1860).

Musical Contributions and Noteworthy Articles

From 1829 to 1841, Rellstab edited a small journal called "Iris im Gebiete der Tonkunst" (Rainbow in the Realm of Music). His critical articles, particularly those against Spontini, gained significant recognition. Rellstab also authored a biography of Franz Liszt, published in Berlin in 1842, and wrote the libretto for several operas.

The Origin of the "Moonlight Sonata"

It is believed that Rellstab coined the name "Moonlight Sonata" for Beethoven's 14th sonata. In 1832, in one of his articles, he suggested that the composer captured the image of Lake Lucerne on a quiet moonlit night. This association between the sonata and the moon has since become widely known and is attributed to Rellstab's interpretation.

Ludwig Rellstab passed away on November 20, 1860, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary works and contributions to the world of music. His talent as a novelist, playwright, and music critic continues to be celebrated and appreciated.