Ludwig van Beethoven, Brief an Ferdinand Ries in Bonn, Wien, 11. Februar 1825

Beethoven had already heard from Kirchhoffer that Ries was no longer in London. Kirchhoffer had taken the symphony (op. 125) to England. Beethoven gives his assurances that the symphony will only be published after the Philharmonic Society's exclusive rights to the work have expired, even if there are rumours to the contrary. He promises to send the desired metronome markings for op. 85 (he did not keep his promise). Beethoven suggests several works to Ries which could be performed at the Lower Rhine Music Festival in Aachen. The latter had apparently requested him to do so (Ries was a member of the organizing committee for this renowned festival). Beethoven offers opp. 123, 124 and 125 as well as smaller works for orchestra and choir, asking for payment of 40 carolines. He emphasizes that this offer does not actually come from himself but from "those who would like to rescue me from my need [Nöthen] through my music [Noten]" (presumably his nephew Karl and his brother Johann).

He is very happy that Ries has bought a house in Godesberg and envies him because of this. He sends heartfelt greetings to Ries' father, who had taught Beethoven music as a boy.