Archduke Rudolf Sponsorships

Named for Rudolf Johannes Joseph Rainier Cardinal von Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduke and Prince Imperial of Austria, Prince Royal of Hungary and Bohemia (1788-1831), the greatest patron of Ludwig von Beethoven (1770-1827).  Rudolf began taking lessons in piano and composition from Beethoven as a teenager, the beginning of a twenty-year relationship.  In gratitude for his long-standing financial support and genuine friendship, Beethoven dedicated fourteen compositions to Rudolf, including his Fourth and Fifth (Emperor) Piano Concertos, the beloved Archduke Piano Trio and his great Missa Solemnis.