Still less creditable to the writer are the following extracts from
letters addressed by Beethoven to the publisher, R. Birchall, of London,
who had bought the copyright for Great Britain and Ireland of four
works by Beethoven, viz.:--The pianoforte arrangement of the Battle
Symphony, Op. 91; the pianoforte arrangement of the A major Symphony,
Op. 92; the Sonata for pianoforte and violin in G major, Op. 96; and the
B-flat major Trio for pianoforte, violin, and violoncello, Op. 97. The
letters were originally written in English. They are too long for entire
insertion here. To render the extracts fully comprehensible, it is
necessary to state that Beethoven, after having received from Birchall
the sum agreed upon for those works, unexpectedly demanded five pounds
for the copying and postage of them; and when Birchall had shown him so
much consideration as to satisfy him also on this point, Beethoven wrote
to him as follows:--
"Vienna, October 1st, 1816.
"My dear Sir,
I have duly received the L5, and thought previously you would not
increase the number of Englishmen neglecting their word and honour,
as I had the misfortune of meeting with two of this sort. In reply
to the other topics of your favour, I have no objection to write
variations according to your plan, and I hope you will not find L30
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.... Concerning
the expenses of copying and packing, it is not possible to fix them
beforehand; they are at any rate not considerable, and you'll
please to consider that you have to deal with a man of honour, who
will not charge one sixpence more than he is charged himself....
With 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 honour me as soon as possible with an
answer, having many orders for compositions, and that you may not
be delayed....
Your most humble Servant,