The Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Vienna had officially asked Beethoven through Nikolaus Zmeskall to compose a new oratorio. The Society only wanted to have exclusive performance rights to the work for a year, the copyright would remain with the composer.
As Zmeskall had delivered the request, Beethoven now turns to his friend with his official written reply. He apologizes for the delay in replying, citing his brother's death.
First of all Beethoven says that he is generally prepared to do so: it would be an honour for him to compose a work commissioned by the Society. He requests 400 gold ducats as payment and generally asks not to be limited in the choice of his artistic means - he had apparently been asked to pay heed to the size of the orchestra and to recognize the style of popular models (Haydn, Handel).
The subject of the oratorio has not been identified. The Society's request is their first attempt at asking Beethoven for a new oratorio. Despite Beethoven's readiness the project was put on ice. In 1818 the Society tried again, and this time he began work on the Oratorio "Der Sieg des Kreuzes" ("The Victory of the Cross"), although he never completed it.
