In October, 1809, Spohr and his wife started on an art journey to Russia, but they were recalled by the court chamberlain, who said that the duchess could not spare them from the court concerts, but would liberally indemnify them for the loss.  Spohr returned and remained at home for nearly three years, during which time he composed a number of important works for orchestra and for the violin.  In 1812 a visit to Vienna, during which he gave a series of concerts, so delighted the Viennese that Spohr was offered the direction of the Ander Wien theatre at a salary three times that received at Gotha, besides valuable emoluments.  This, and the assurance of Count Palffy, the imperial intendant, that he meant to make the orchestra the finest in Europe, induced Spohr to accept the offer.

When it became necessary for our musician to search for a domicile in Vienna, he met with another piece of good fortune.  One morning a gentleman waited on him, introducing himself as a wealthy clock manufacturer and a passionate lover of music.  The stranger made an eccentric proposition.  Spohr should hand over to him all that he should compose or had composed for Vienna during the term of three years, the original scores to be his sole property during that time, and Spohr not even to retain a copy.  “But are they not to be performed during that time?” “Oh, yes! as often as possible; but each time on my lending them for that purpose, and when I can be present myself.”  The bargain was struck, and the ardent connoisseur agreed to pay thirty ducats for a string quartet, five and thirty for a quintet, forty for a sextet, etc., according to the style of composition.  Two works were sold on the spot, and Spohr said he should devote the money to house-furnishing.  Herr Von Tost undertook to provide the furniture complete, and the two made a tour among the most fashionable shops.  When Spohr protested against purchasing articles of extreme beauty and luxury, Von Tost said, “Make yourself easy, I shall require no cash settlement.  You will soon square all accounts with your manuscripts.”  So the Spohr domicile was magnificently furnished from kitchen to attic, more fitly, as the musician said, for a royal dignitary or a rich merchant than for a poor artist.  Von Tost claimed he would gain two results:  “First, I wish to be invited to all the concerts and musical circles in which you will play your compositions, and to do this I must have your scores in my possession; secondly, in possessing such treasures of art, I hope upon my business journeys to make a large acquaintance among the lovers of music, which I may turn to account in my manufacturing interests.”  Let us hope that this commercial enthusiast found his calculations verified by results.