Beethoven apologizes for the delay in sending the promised works (opp. 56 and 57), saying that he had not been able to find any suitable copyists - his main copyist had too many other things to do. He promises that the two works will be sent within four to six weeks. However, Beethoven urgently requests that the production for the works he has already sent (the Symphony op. 55 and the Sonatas opp. 53 and 54) should begin. He suggests being paid part of the agreed sum in advance and the remainder once he has delivered the outstanding works.
Should the publisher not accept this, he threatens to completely withdraw from the deal and to demand that the works are returned (which actually happened in letter BGA 223, HCB Br 65). With regard to the planned performance of the Oratorio op. 85, Beethoven announces that Prince Lichnowsky will bring the score with him when he visits (Lichnowsky is very interested in having a performance in Leipzig; however the first performance of "Christ on the Mount of Olives" in Leipzig was first given in 1812).
If the Symphony op. 55 remains with the publisher, it can be performed together with the oratorio. Beethoven says that proceeds from the concert are to go to Regina Susanna Bach, the completely impoverished daughter of Johann Sebastian Bach. Collections had been made for Regina Bach - in honour of her father - and Beethoven wanted to make a special contribution (this project was not realized).
