ABSms2
islandora:430
Letter from Beethoven to Robert Birchall, Vienna, Oct. 1, 1816
Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827 (composer) Häring, Johann Baptist von, 1761-1818 (scribe) Birchall, Robert, ca. 1760-1819 (recipient)
1816-10-16
Vienna
eng
Manuscript letter written in English, in hand of Johann Baptist von Häring, with Beethoven's signature in German script, addressed to Robert Birchall in London. 1 double leaf (4 written p.) written in ink. With integral address panel and seal tear, postmarked.
image/jpg
24 x 38 cm.
Manuscript letter
Manuscripts
Manuscripts Correspondence
Letters from Beethoven
early 19th century
Beethoven Center Manuscripts
The Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, San Jose State University
This work is in the public domain and therefore the digital images attached to this catalog record may be used without permission. Credit statements for these images should read “From the collections of the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, San José State University.” For information on obtaining higher resolution reproductions and permission to publish, see the Beethoven Center's website https://www.sjsu.edu/beethoven/collection/library-materials/index.php
Beethoven Briefwechsel Gesamtausgabe, ed. S. Brandenburg, no. 982; Letters of Beethoven, ed. E. Anderson, no. 662; W. Meredith, "Robert Birchall and Ludwig van Beethoven: Beethoven's Letter of October 1, 1816, Reappears," The Beethoven Newsletter 1 (1986), p. 4-6.
Beethoven Vault
Addressed to: Mr. Birchall Music Seller New Bond Street No. 133 London My Dear Sir, I have duly received the 5 £. and thought previously You would not encrease the number of inglishmen neglecting their word and honor, as I had the misfortune of meeting with two of this sort. In reply to the other topics of your favor, I have no objection to write Variations according to your plan, and I hope you will not find 30 £. too much. The accompaniment will be a flute or Violin, or a Violoncello; you’ll either decide it when you send me the approbation of the price, or you’ll leave it to me. I expect to receive the songs or poetry.the sooner the better, and you’ll favor me also with the probable number of works of Variations you are enclined to receive of me. The sonata in G with the accompant. of a Violin is dedicated to His Imperial highness Archduke Rudolph of Austria.it is Opa. 96. The Trio in b flat is dedicd. to the same and is Op. 97. The Piano Arrangement of the Symphony in A is dedicated to the Empress of the Russia[n]s.meaning the wife of the Empr. Alexander.Op. 98. Concerning the expences of copying and packing it is not possible to fix them before hand, they are at any rate not considerable, and you’ll please to consider that you have to deal with a man of honor, who will not charge one 6d. more than he is charged for himself. Messrs. Fries & Co. will account with Messrs. Coutts & Co..The postage may be lessened as I have been told.. I offer you of my works the following new ones. A Grand Sonata for the Pianoforte alone 40 £. A Trio for the Piano with accompt. of Violin and Violoncello for 50 Åís. It is possible that somebody will offer you other works of mine to purchase, for ex. the score of the Grand Symphony in A..With regard to the arrangement of this Symphony for the Piano, I beg you not to forget that you are not to publish it until I have appointed the day of its publication here in Vienna. This cannot be otherwise without making myself guilty of a dishonorable act.but the Sonata with the Violin and the Trio in B fl. may be published without any delay. The all the new works, which you will have of me or which I offer you, it rests with you to name the day of their publication at your own choice. I entreat you to honor me as soon as possible with an answer having many order for compositions and that yours may not be delayed. My addresse or direction is: Monsieur Louis van Beethoven No. 1055 & 1056 Sailerstette 3d. Stock Vienna. You may send your letter, if you please, direct to your most humble servant Mr L Ludwig van Beethowen
Purchase, Sotheby's (London), May 9-10, 1985, lot 5. ABS ms2: m2a0008