5th and last movement, 3/4 time.  Maelzel’s metronome [half-note] = 144.

[Music:  Treble clef, B-flat major.]

Pray forgive the confused way in which this is written.  It would not surprise you if you knew my situation; you would rather marvel that I accomplish so much in spite of it.  The Quintet can no longer be delayed, and must shortly appear; but not the Sonata, until I get an answer from you and the check, which I long to see.  The name of the courier is De Smidt, by whom you will receive both the Quintet and Sonata.  I beg you will give me an immediate answer.  I will write more fully next time.

In haste, your

BEETHOVEN.

262.

TO RIES.

April 19, 1819.

MY DEAR FRIEND,—­

I ask your forgiveness a thousand times for the trouble I cause you.  I cannot understand how it is that there are so many mistakes in the copying of the Sonata.  This incorrectness no doubt proceeds from my no longer being able to keep a copyist of my own; circumstances have brought this about.  May God send me more prosperity, till ——­ is in a better position!  This will not be for a whole year to come.  It is really dreadful the turn affairs have taken, and the reduction of my salary, while no man can tell what the issue is to be till the aforesaid year has elapsed.

If the Sonata be not suitable for London, I could send another, or you might omit the Largo, and begin at once with the Fugue in the last movement, or the first movement, Adagio, and the third the Scherzo, the Largo, and the Allegro risoluto.  I leave it to you to settle as you think best.  This Sonata was written at a time of great pressure.  It is hard to write for the sake of daily bread; and yet I have actually come to this!

We can correspond again about my visit to London.  To be rescued from this wretched and miserable condition is my only hope of deliverance, for as it is I can neither enjoy health, nor accomplish what I could do under more favorable auspices.

263.

TO THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY IN LAIBACH.[1]

Vienna, May 4, 1819.

I fully appreciate the high compliment paid to me by the respected members of the Philharmonic Society, in acknowledgment of my poor musical deserts, by electing me honorary member of their Society, and sending me the diploma through Herr von Tuscher; and as a proof of my sense of this honor, I intend in due course to forward to the Society an unpublished work of mine.[2] Moreover, at any time when I can be of use to the Society, I shall be prepared to forward their wishes.

I remain, the humble servant and honorary member of the Philharmonic Society,

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.