Ludwig van Beethoven, Brief an Breitkopf & Härtel in Leipzig, Wien, 4. Februar 1810, Autograph

Beethoven writes to his publisher in Leipzig. He asks for news as to whether the bill he has sent back has arrived. His health has improved but is still not completely restored due to the bad provisions (on account of the war), "we have bad food and have to pay exorbitant sums for it". Beethoven announces the texts for the Oratorio op. 85 and the Opera op. 72 are on their way. As far as the Mass op. 86 is concerned he would be happy if the text were printed in Latin and German. He also wishes for the organ part to be published in a different manner to the one used up till then, that is if it has not already been engraved. He also promises to deliver a copy for it.

Beethoven offers the publisher the following works: Fantasia for Piano op. 77, Choral Fantasia op. 80, Piano Sonatas op. 78, op. 79 and op. 81a, the Variations op. 76, Lieder op. 75 and op. 82, Piano Concerto op. 73 and the Quartet op. 74. In return he asks for a total sum of 1,450 florins C.M.

Beethoven asks Härtel, to check whether the trombone, timpani or trumpet parts are present in the parts he has listed in the oratorio. Otherwise he will have them copied again.

Beethoven's brother had sent the publisher a Lied (WoO 137). Beethoven hands over the rights to the publisher, but asks for a copy of Bechstein's Encyclopaedia of Birds in return, which he wants to give to a friend. In addition he asks for written confirmation that he is allowed to obtain Breitkopf & Härtel editions free of charge (in lieu of payment) which were sold in commission by Traeg and the Industriekontor.

Beethoven ends by complaining about his health and Prince Kinsky's bad attitude towards payment, as he has still not paid his part of the annuity guaranteed to the composer.