The tutor of the young
Count Schönfeld is the reason for this letter, for he assures
me that you would again like to have some of my works - Although,
since our relations have been broken off so frequently, I am almost
convinced that this resumption which I am proposing will again lead
to nothing, still I am offering you at the moment, let us say, the
following works - two symphonies [Opus 67, Opus 68], a Mass [Opus
86] and a sonata for pianoforte and violoncello [Opus 69] (let my
haste excuse the ink-blot) - Please note that I am asking 900 gulden
for the whole lot; but this sum of 900 gulden must be paid according
to Viennese currency in assimilated coinage, details of which
must be specially mentioned, particularly in the bills of exchange
- In the case of the two symphonies I must for several reasons make
the condition that they shall not be published for six months counting
from June 1st - I shall probably undertake a journey at the beginning
of the winter and should like them, therefore, to be as yet unknown,
during the summer at any rate - If I wanted to, I could give these
very works to the Industriekomtor in Vienna, for last year this
firm took seven major works of mine, nearly all of which can now
be obtained in engraved form - and in general that firm is glad
to have any of my works - Yet as I have already told you several
times, I would prefer your firm to all others; and if only you would
deal with me with less hesitation, I am convinced that you and I
would make a profit. On several issues you will find me anything
but avaricious, on the contrary very obliging and ready to forgo
all gain. Moreover from such a connexion something good might come,
not so much for myself perhaps as for art in general - Let me know
your decision as soon as possible so that I may make arrangements
in good time with the I[ndustrie] k[omtor]. See to it that we do
meet again and then remain together - So far as I am concerned I
will certainly do my very best - In these matters too you
will always find me frank an unreserved - In short, all my actions
will prove to you how glad I am to establish good relations with
you -
Your
most devoted
L.
v. Beethoven
We
again request you to send a speedy reply.
I
am reluctant to say anything about my Mass [Opus 86], and indeed
about myself. But I think that I have treated the text in a manner
in which it has rarely been treated. Moreover it has been performed
at several places, including Prince Esterházy's residence
at Eisenstadt, where it was produced on the name-day of the Princess
with great applause - I am convinced that the score and even a pianoforte
arrangement will certainly bring you some profit -