To: Sir George Smart, London
Vienna, March 16-19, 1815

My Dear Sir George,

        I see by the papers that you have brought forth in the theatre Beethoven’s battle and that it was received with considerable applause; I was very happy to find that your partiality to Mr. B’s compositions is not diminished, and therefore I take the liberty in his name thank you for the assistance you afforded in the performance of that uncommon piece of music. He has arranged for the pianoforte, but having offered the original to his R.H. the Prince Regent, he durst not venture to sell that arrangement to any editor, until he knew the Prince’s pleasure not only with respect to the dedication, but in general. Having waited so many months without receiving the least acknowledgment, he begged me to apply to you for advice.  His idea is to dispose of this arrangement and of several other original compositions to an Editor in London – or perhaps to several united, if they would make a handsome offer – They would besides engage to let him know the day of the appearance for sale of the respective pieces, in order that the Editor here may not publish one copy before the day to be mentioned.  At the end of this letter follows the list of such compositions with the price which the author expects.  I am persuaded, Sir George, you will exert yourself to benefit this great genius.  He talks continually of going to England, but I am afraid that his deafness, seemingly increasing, does not allow him the execution of this favourite idea.  You are informed without doubt that his opera: Fidelio, has had the most brilliant success here, but the execution is so difficult that it would not suit any of the English houses.

       I submit here his list with the prices – None of the following pieces has ever been published, but no. 2, 4, and 9 – have been performed with the greatest applause –

1. Serious Quartetto for 2 violins, tenor and bass                  40 guineas
2. Battle of Vittoria – Score                                                   70 guineas
3. Battle of Vittoria arranged for the pianoforte                    30 guineas
4. A grand symphony – Score                                                70 guineas
5. A grand symphony arranged for the pianofor                    30 guineas
6. A symphony Key F. – Score                                              40 guineas
7. A symphony Key F. arranged for pianoforte                     20 guineas
8. Grand Trio for the pianoforte, violin, and violoncello      40 guineas
9. Three Overtures for a full orchestra – each                       30 guineas
10. The three arrangements for pianoforte – each                   15 guineas
11. A grand sonata for the pianoforte and violin                     25 guineas

       The above is the produce of four years labour.

       Our friend Neate [Anderson footnote: “Neate arrived in Vienna early in May.”] has not yet made his appearance here – nor is it at all known where he is roving about. We – I mean most amateurs – are now rehearsing Handel’s Messiah – I am to be leader of the 2nd violins; there will be this time 144 violins – first and second altogether, and the singers and remainder in proportion.  – I have been so unfortunate as not to receive a single line or answer from England since my stay in Vienna which is near three months; this discourages me very much from writing, for I have despatched immediately after my arrival several letters and have been continuing to send letters, but all in vain.  Amongst those to whom I wrote about 2 months ago, is our friend Disi – pray if you meet him, give him and his very respectable family my best regards.  I have passed so many happy hours in his house, it would be highly ungrateful for me to forget such an amiable family.

       Beethoven happening to call on me just now, he wishes to address a few lines to you, which find at the bottom of this.  My direction is.  Monsieur Jean de Häring
                                                                 No 298 Kohlmarkt
                                                                          Vienna

       Poor B. is very anxious to hear something of the English editors, as he hardly can keep those of this city from him, who tease him for his works.

 

       Give me leave to thank you for the trouble you have taken several times, as I understand, in taking my works under your protection, by which I don’t doubt all justice has been done.  I hope you will not find it indiscreet if I solicit you to answer Mr. Häring’s letter as soon as possible.  I should feel myself highly flattered, if you would express your wishes, that I may meet them, in which you will always find me ready as an acknowledgment for the favors you have heaped upon my children –

                                                Yours gratefully
                                                                          Ludwig v. Beethoven

 

       And now I shall beg you, my dear Sir George, not to take this long letter amiss, and to believe that I am always, with the greatest regard –

                     your most humble and obedient servant
                                                                                           John Häring