For
a long, Long time I have been intending to write to you, but my
far too numerous affairs allow me, in general, too little Will
be sure to attend two even a small correspondence -- As to the
variations, about which you think that there are not as many as
I stated, you are certainly mistaken; by difficulty was that they
could not be indicated in the same way; for instance, in the grand
ones where the variations are merged in the Adagio, and the Fugue,
of course, cannot be described as a variation; and similarly the
introduction to these grand variations which, as you your self
have already seen, begins with the base of the theme and eventually
develops into two, three and four parts; and not till then does
the theme of appear, which again cannot be called a variation,
and so forth. But if you can't make heads or tail of this, send
me a proof, as soon as a copy has been printed, together with
the manuscript, so that I myself may not be confused -- In any
case you would do me a great kindness if on the grand variations
you would omit entirely the dedication to the Abbé Stadler
and insert instead of this dedication, which I am now quoting,
namely: dédiees etc. A Monsieur le Comte Maurice Lichnowsky.
He is the brother of Prince Lichnowsky and only recently did me
an unexpected kindness; and at the moment I have no other opportunity
of doing something to please him. If you have already printed
the dedication to Abbé Stadler, then I will gladly bear
the expense which the alteration of the title-page will entail.
There must be no hesitation whatever about this. Just let me know
what it costs and I shall be delighted to meet the expense. I
do earnestly beg you to do this, provided that no copies have
been sent out --
As
for the small variations, it is understood that these are to be
dedicated to the Princess Odescalchi -
Thank
you very much for the fine works of Sebastian Bach. I will treasure
and study them -
If
there is to be a sequel, do let me have it too -
If
you have a fine text for a cantata or any other vocal work, do
let me see it -
Your
Beethoven who sincerely esteems you.