250.—LISZT'S COMPLETION OF THE BEETHOVEN MONUMENT.
A notable achievement of Franz Liszt was his raising of the funds for the completion of the Beethoven monument at Bonn. The enterprise had come to a standstill when Liszt became interested in it and declared he would complete it single handed. In a short time he had, by means of concert giving, raised the required amount, and the commission for the statue was in the sculptor's hands.
A great Beethoven festival was arranged for the dedication of the monument. After meeting with all kinds of difficulties and overcoming them, it was discovered there was no hall in Bonn large enough for the huge audience that would be gathered there at that time. The committee of that city were afraid to build one, fearing they would be put to some expense. Liszt settled the matter by himself guaranteeing the necessary amount, and the "festhalle" rose as if by magic. The exercises incident to the unveiling of this monument were attended by many royalties of Europe, among them being King William, of Prussia, and Queen Victoria, of England. The whole affair was a great triumph for Liszt as well as a memorial for Beethoven, and was a fine exemplification of this great pianist's energy and versatile abilities as business manager, conductor and pianist.