Franz von Oppersdorff

That peace was interrupted, however, by a physical altercation between the prince and the composer which broke out after Beethoven refused Lichnowsky's request to perform for a group of visiting French Soldiers.

(Napoleon's French army was forcefully conquering territories throughout Europe at that time, much to Beethoven's distaste, as evidenced in the late change of dedication to his Third Symphony.)

According to the composer Ferdinand Ries (1784-1838), Count Oppersdorff stepped between the two quarreling men just in time to prevent Beethoven from smashing a chair over Lichnowsky's head.

Beethoven completed the Fifth Symphony in 1808, taking the score to Oppersdorff in November to receive the final payment, but the dedication was to the Count Andrey Razumovsky and Prince Joseph Franz von Lobkowitz.

Franz von Oppersdorff is also credited with launching the career of Johann Sedlatzek (1789-1866), a flautist and composer born in Oberglogau, Silesia (now Glogowek, Poland) who became a well-known virtuoso performing throughout Europe in the 19th century.