Ludwig van Beethoven, Brief Ludwig van Beethoven und Johann von Häring an Charles Neate in London, Wien, 18. Dezember 1816

Johann von Häring was a cloth merchant and often went to England on business, which is why he spoke English fluently. Beethoven used Häring many times for his correspondence with British musicians and publishers. From May 1815 to February 1816 Charles Neate was in Vienna, where he became acquainted with Beethoven. Before his departure, the composer had given him several works so that Neate could perform them with the Philharmonic Society and find publishers for them in London. Beethoven had not heard from Neate for a long time and had read about the successful concerts in London in the Wiener Zeitung, which greatly annoyed him. Disappointed he wrote to Neate, asking him to explain himself. The latter did so eloquently and remorsefully (Neate had got married which had occupied him wholly).

Häring confirms receipt of this letter and explains that he is answering on Beethoven's behalf, as the latter is ill with rheumatic fever. In the following he only uses the "Ich" ("I") form, as he is writing on Beethoven's instructions. He, Beethoven, first of all sends his best wishes on Neate's marriage.

Beethoven informs him that he has now published the Symphony op. 92 in Vienna, as he has not heard anything from London for so long (op. 92 was one of the works which Neate had taken with him). He is sorry that an exclusive performance and an English edition are no longer possible. However, Beethoven refers to the fact that he has already suffered losses in the past months as the works which Neate had taken could not be published elsewhere.

He hopes that the two Cello Sonatas op. 102 will soon be sold in England as he has already received offers from Germany (in actual fact Beethoven had already sold them to Simrock but had not yet agreed on a publication date with him). As far as the dedication for the Trio op. 97 is concerned, Beethoven agrees to Neate's suggestion. A lady about whom we know nothing had agreed to pay for the dedication. Although Beethoven urges Neate to immediately inform the publisher Birchall of his consent, this probably came too late as Birchall printed op. 97 with a dedication to Archduke Rudolph.

Beethoven shows his readiness to compose new works for the Philharmonic Society and suggests the following: symphonies, an oratorio and cantatas. Birchall had expressed interest in publishing Fidelio op. 72. Beethoven confirms that a score has not yet appeared and asks Neate to negotiate in this matter.

Beethoven is worried about the lack of success of his overtures op. 115, opp. 113 and 117 in a public concert as they are amongst his best works. They have been very popular in Vienna and Pest. He wonders whether the London performance and interpretation might have contributed to their lack of success.

Häring also encloses a letter for Neate in which he discusses personal matters and business affairs.