Ignaz Moscheles, Brief an Anton Schindler in Wien, London, 2. April 1827

At the time of writing Moscheles has quite obviously not yet heard about Beethoven's death (a letter to Beethoven, which has not survived, was enclosed; the letter to Schindler was also sent to Beethoven's address).

Moscheles is happy to have been able to help Beethoven with the financial support of the Philharmonic Society in London, (the Society had given him £100 to alleviate his financial need). He is surprised that Viennese artists have not similarly "joined together to save our era from being reproached that a man (whom not every century produces) has been left in need".

He asks Schindler for one of Beethoven's autograph manuscripts, if possible one with his signature. It does not have to be a new work; he would rather have one which has already been published. In addition Moscheles orders the latest lithograph of Beethoven, which he will pay for himself. Both documents can be sent to him via the Rothschilds.

Moscheles then writes about his hectic daily life - his pupils and concert appearances -, which can only be countered by his family. He asks for Horzalka to be told that he has not been able to find a publisher for his piano works (on account of their difficulty) and suggests that he also considers amateur pianists should he want to sell his works.

Finally Moscheles sends greetings to a long list of friends and colleagues in Vienna. In a postscript he enthusiastically mentions the fourth Philharmonic concert, in which Beethoven's Fourth Symphony op. 60, a C major symphony by Mozart, Beethoven's Terzet op. 116 and his Septet op. 20 were performed.

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