BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Saturday, August 28, 1824

Beethoven responds from Baden to publisher Heinrich Probst in Leipzig today. He acknowledges receipt of Probst’s letter of August 10th. “Because the bad weather has delayed my baths, I have to stay here for 8 days longer, after which I will immediately hand over all the works in the City.” Beethoven promises that he will explain what happened over the last two years with publisher C.F. Peters, who warned Probst against dealing with Beethoven.

Beethoven reminds Probst he had written about his new symphony and the Missa Solemnis, the latter of which is already taken. “But the S. [Symphony] I considered the greatest I have written, and even artists from abroad have made propositions to me. It would be possible for you to receive the same, but you would have to make your decision very quickly, because part of the fee is already here. But I could give this man other works in return.” At least he is never lacking in publishers, for they know he values simplicity.

The symphony cannot be published until July of next year, which will leave time for it to be engraved and corrected. [The London Philharmonic Society had exclusive rights to the symphony for 18 months.] He asks that Probst not abuse his trust and should not mention the request to others. The fee for the symphony would be 1000 florins C.M. Beethoven also intended to create two piano reductions, which would cost extra. A bill of exchange payable in 3 months would be acceptable, through a banking house such as Fries & Co. “Business and money matters are very difficult for me. You will know how to do it best and safely, but I ask you to be as quick as possible with the answer since part of the financial honorarium is already here. If I have to make a different decision in this regard, then it is my duty to immediately mention this to that truly honorable man and compensate him with other works.”

In a postscript, Beethoven adds, “I once again sincerely ask for the utmost silence regarding the S. [Symphony].” A second postscript adds, “You probably are already aware that the same work includes large choruses and solo voices in the finale.”

Brandenburg Letter 1867; Anderson Letter 1305. The original letter is lost, but a facsimile was made of it, which once belonged to Carl Viol of Amsterdam, a grandson of Probst.