Ludwig van Beethoven, Brief an George Thomas Smart in London, Wien, 16. und 19. März 1815

Like Beethoven, Johann von Häring is happy about the success of George Smart's performance of Beethoven's Battle Symphony op. 91 in London. He writes that Beethoven has dedicated the work to the Prince Regent George but has been waiting for an answer for months - in vain. Without it he does not dare to have the piano reduction published. He therefore asks Smart's advice on the matter.

In addition Beethoven wishes to sell some other works to an English publisher. He is planning to publish the works simultaneously in England and on the continent. A list of the works with his payment demands follows (op. 95, op. 91, op. 92, op. 93, op. 97, overtures for op. 113 and op. 117, op. 115 and op. 96; he offers both a score and a piano reduction for the orchestral works).

Häring also reports that their mutual acquaintance Charles Neate has not yet arrived in Vienna. He writes that the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde is rehearsing Handel's Messiah - a mammoth performance in which he is also taking part as leader of the second violins. The orchestra has a total of 144 violins and the choir is also suitably large.

Häring is a little disappointed that he has not received any news from England since his arrival in Vienna.

At the end of the letter Häring adds several lines dictated by Beethoven. The latter thanks Smart for his willingness to intercede on his behalf in London and asks for a prompt answer to Häring's letter.

Johann von Häring had business connections in England and spoke fluent English. Beethoven often used him when corresponding with British publishers. (Although he mastered French, Beethoven did not speak English.) Häring had probably written this letter prompted by Beethoven as he mainly writes about Beethoven's interests. Unlike other letters this one was not, however, dictated by the composer. Although Häring is acting on the composer's behalf, he uses his own formulations.

One sentence in particular makes this clear. Häring is writing about Beethoven's plans to visit England (Beethoven intended to do so his whole life, but he never actually did so), "He talks continually of going to England, but I am afraid that his deafness, seemingly increasing does not allow him the execution of this favourite idea". Häring's assessment is accurate; Beethoven had never undertaken his journey to England mainly due to his deafness. It is this candour in particular which shows that Beethoven was not dictating the letter, and it was only possible because Beethoven could not understand the English.