Sir!
Here
is my decision in reply to your esteemed letter -- and you will
certainly see that so far as possible I am willing to meet you half-way
-- Well, let us deal first of all with the scheme, and then with
the why and wherefore -- I am giving you the Mass, the two symphonies,
the Sonata for violoncello and pianoforte [Opus 86, 67, 68, and
69] and two other pianoforte sonatas or, instead of the ladder,
perhaps another symphony, all for 700 gulden (seven hundred gulden
A.C.) -- You see that I am giving more and receiving less -- but
that is really my limit -- You must take the Mass, or else I can't
give you the other works -- for I pay attention not only to what
is profitable but also to what brings honor and glory. You say that
' there is no demand for church works'. You are right if you are
referring merely to work spy composers of thorough-bass. But do
you have the Mass performed at a concert in Leipsic and see whether
lovers of music will not immediately come forward desiring to possess
it. Publish it by all means in a pianoforte arrangement with German
words. What ever you do with it, I guarantee its success --
Perhaps
you could raise subscriptions for it. I am confident that I could
find you hear a dozen or even two dozen subscribers. But surely
that is not necessary --
Well,
now, if you agreed to my proposal, as I have no doubt that you will,
you will immediately receive the two symphonies, the violoncello
sonata, and the Mass -- and after these, in four weeks at latest,
to pianoforte sonatas or perhaps a symphony instead -- But as soon
as you receive the first four works, please let me have the fee
immediately. And I will enter the symphony or, the two sonatas meticulously
in the document which you are to receive from me; and, so that you
may not distrust me, I give you a written understanding to send
you within four weeks the sonatas or the symphony -- Please make
out the 700 gulden for me either in a bill of exchange for 700 gulden
A.C. or in banknotes payable according to the exchange rate on the
day of their collection in Vienna -- By the way, I undertake to
make you sometime a present of an offertory and a graduale for the
Mass. But at the moment I cannot bring myself to compose either
of them -- Now please let me know your decision as quickly as possible.
I cannot agree to anymore alterations. This is the extreme limit
of my concession; besides I am convinced that you will not regret
this arrangement --
With
kindest regards, you're most devoted
Ludwig
van Beethoven