Ferdinand Ries, Brief an Ludwig van Beethoven in Wien, London, 9. Juni 1817, Abschrift

Following his move to London in 1813, Beethoven's former pupil Ferdinand Ries carried on a lively correspondence with the composer and often acted as an intermediary between Beethoven and London publishers. In 1815 Ries became a member of the London Philharmonic Society, in whose name he now heartily invites Beethoven to London in the coming winter (1818).

If the following conditions are met, Ries promises Beethoven 300 guineas in the Philharmonic Society's name. Beethoven must come to London in the coming winter and bring two great symphonies for the Society, whose property they will be; in this concert season he is not allowed to sell any further orchestral works in London and is not to publicly appear with another orchestra before the Society's first two concerts; the Society has first refusal on further concerts; the Society guarantees an advance of 100 guineas for his travel costs.

To make the journey even more attractive for Beethoven Ries reminds him on behalf of George Smart of an oratorio he had agreed to with him, as well as the possibility of composing a new opera for the Italian Opera in London. There is also the possibility of giving some extremely lucrative concerts.

Beethoven was very interested in the London trip, for which he actually did plan two new symphonies (one of them was the later "Ninth" op. 125). In the end the trip did not, however, take place.