Dear and Beloved Tr[eitschke]!
That accursed concert, which I was compelled to give partly on account of my wretched circumstances, has put me back in regard to the opera –
The cantata, which I wanted to produce at the concert, also took up my time for five or six days –
Now, of course, everything has to be done at once; and I could compose something new far more quickly than patch up the old with something new, as I am now doing. For my custom when I am composing even instrumental music is always to keep the whole in view – But in this case the whole of my work is – to a certain extent – scattered in all directions; and I have to think out the entire work again – To produce the opera in a fortnight is certainly out of the question. I am still convinced that it will take us four weeks. Meanwhile the first act will be finished in a few days – But there is still much to be done to the second act and I have to compose a new overture as well; but this is the easiest task of all, I admit, because I can write an entirely new one – Before my concert I had just made a few sketches here and there, both in the first add in the second acts; and only a few days ago I was able to begin to work them out –– The score of the opera has been copied as wretchedly as anything I have ever seen; I have to check every single note (it was probably stolen). In short, I assure you, dear T[reitschke], that this opera will win for me a martyr’s crown. Had you not taken so much trouble with it and revised everything so satisfactorily, for which I shall ever be grateful to you, I would hardly bring myself to do my share – But by your work you have salvaged a few good bits of a ship that was wrecked and stranded –
Meanwhile if you think that the delay is becoming excessive, then postpone the opera to sometime later on. As for me, I shall now continue to work until it is completely finished and, what is more, exactly in the way you have altered and improved everything, an achievement which every moment I am recognizing more and more. But I cannot work as quickly as if I were composing a new work –– and to finish it in a fortnight is quite impossible – Do as you think best, but act also as a friend of mine. My zeal will not fail you.
Your
Beethoven