21.—THE YOUTHFUL BEETHOVEN'S TRICK ON A SINGER
Another incident of the necessity of a good understanding with the accompanist is found in the life of Beethoven. He, as a mere boy, held the responsible position of organist in the Electoral Chapel at Bonn. In the choir was a smart singer, who declared he could sing anything, and no accompanist could disconcert him. Beethoven made a wager with him that he could succeed in "putting him out." So, in a service in holy week, by an adroit modulation in his accompaniment of this coxcomb, the latter was landed in a key where all he could do was to break down. The singer at once complained to the Elector, who heard the case and reprimanded them both. But we can hardly blame Beethoven; for a boy of fifteen, Beethoven's age at that time, could hardly withstand the temptation to try his skill under such provocation.