Until 1819, Romberg remained in Berlin, where since 1816 he had been court violoncellist and opera conductor, but later moved to Hamburg. With the exception of the 1826-1830 period which was spent in Berlin, Romberg lived his entire life after 1819 in Hamburg, touring constantly throughout the country and abroad.
The German artist performed several times in Vienna. Max Borer (1785-1867), who was acclaimed in Europe as a violoncellist, was very popular in Vienna in the 1820s. Music admirers used to say that Romberg played for immortality, while Borer -for the drawing-room.
At the end of February 1822, a Viennese reporter wrote: "Bernhard Romberg, hero of all cellists, king of all virtuosi, celebrated a triumph three times this month. Each time the house was overcrowded, each time the audience was delirious, rewarding the master with applause. It is a divine treat to listen to such an unsurpassed performer, and one does not know what is more wonderful-the pure and inspired tone, or the inexpressible ease with which he overcomes all kinds of difficulties, or the elegance, originality and brilliant elaboration of his works."
At that time, Romberg toured with his son Karl, who also played the cello, and daughter Bernardina, a singer. In Vienna he met Beethoven, who was already very ill. A friend of Romberg's youth, Beethoven became one of the most eminent composers of the time. Beethoven's letter, dated February 12, 1822-the eve of Romberg's concert-is a vivid illustration of their friendship.
"My dear Romberg, this night I had terrible pains in my ears, as often happens at this time of the year. Even the sounds of your music would have caused me only suffering. That is why you will not see me today. In several days, it might be better and I will be able to bid you farewell. I have not visited you yet -excuse me. It is because my lodgings are too far away, and I have too much work. I have been ill for the entire year, you know, and a lot of new compositions were put aside. Well, why all these ceremonies between the two of us. I wish you financial recognition, to make the success of your brilliant art complete, which happens so rarely nowadays. If there is an opportunity, I hope to see you and your wife and the children, to whom I send my sincere regards. Good-bye, great artist. Truly yours, Beethoven ."