As my brother is writing to you, I am just adding
the following information -- I have composed two sets of variations,
one consisting of eight variations and the other of thirty. Both
sets are worked out in quite a new manner, and each in a separate
and different way. I would infinitely prefer to have them engraved
by you, but on no other condition than for a fee of 50 ducats
for both sets -- Do not let me make this offer in vain, for I
assure you that you will have no regrets in respect of these two
works -- Each theme is treated in its own way and in the different
way from the other one. Usually I have to wait for other people
to tell me when I have new ideas, because I never notice this
myself. But this time -- I myself can assure you that in both
these works the method is quite new so far as I am concerned --
What
you wrote to me once about the endeavor to sell my works I cannot
endorse. Surely it is an outstanding proof of the excellent sale
of my works that nearly all foreign publishers are continually
writing to me for compositions, and that even those who Pirates
and engraved works, about whom you rightly complain, are to be
found among this number. Why, Simrock has already written to me
a few times for compositions which she alone would like to possess;
and he is willing to pay me whatever any other publisher offers
-- You may regard it as a kind of favor that I myself have made
you this offer before making it to anyone else, the reason being
that your behaviour has always merited this distinction--
Your
L.
van Beethoven