P.P.
I am writing to you from my bed. Nature too has her etiquette which must be observed. I am again using the baths at Teplitz; and I took it into my head early yesterday morning, in fact at daybreak, to go for a walk in the woods, although it was very foggy. Today I am doing penance for that licentiam poeticam – My Aesculapius has led me round and round in a circle, seeing that after all the best cure is to be found at Teplitz. These fellows have poor idea of producing an effect; and I consider that in that respect we composers have undoubtedly outstripped them in our art. – It may well be that I shall visit Leipzig. But on this point please observe tacet, for I must tell you frankly that people in Austria no longer trust me completely; and no doubt they are right too. So I shall perhaps not be granted permission at all or not until later, which might be too late for the Mass. Indeed I have not heard another word about what has happened to it – If you have any leisure to write to me, do let me have your opinion about this. One thing more: would it be possible for me to have choruses and so forth performed without their costing too much? As it is, I am not very much in favour of mere virtuosity. But experience has taught me that in the case of vocal works, and particularly choruses, the expenses are exceptionally heavy and that it is scarcely worth while to have a fixed price beforehand, seeing that one can have them performed gratis without so much ado – And moreover, as I cannot take a definite decision, please do not make any further use of my project – All good wishes. Do not study too hard at Leipzig University, the science of aesthetics might then be the loser –
Yours
Ludwig van Beethoven