The greatest work I have hitherto written is a Grand Mass with Choruses, and four obbligati voice parts, and full orchestra.  Several persons have applied to me for this work, and I have been offered 100 Louis d’or, hard cash, for it; but I demand at least 1000 florins C.M. [20 florins to the mark], for which sum I will also furnish a pianoforte arrangement.  Variations on a waltz [Diabelli’s] for the piano (they are numerous), 30 ducats in gold,—­N.B.  Vienna ducats.  With regard to songs, I have several rather important descriptive ones:  as, for example, a comic Aria, with full orchestra, on Goethe’s text, “Mit Maedeln sich vertragen;” and another Aria, in the same style, 16 ducats each (furnishing also a pianoforte arrangement if required); also several descriptive songs, with pianoforte accompaniment, 12 ducats each; among these is a little Italian Cantata, with Recitative; there is also a Song with recitative among the German ones.  A Song with pianoforte accompaniment, 8 ducats.  An Elegy, four voices, with the accompaniment of two violins, viola, and violoncello, 24 ducats.  A Dervise Chorus, with full orchestra, 20 ducats.

Also the following instrumental music:  a Grand March for full orchestra, with pianoforte accompaniment, 12 ducats, written for the tragedy of “Tarpeia.”  Romance for the violin (a solo with full orchestra), 15 ducats.  Grand Terzet for two oboes, and one English horn (which might be arranged for other instruments), 30 ducats.  Four military Marches with Turkish music; when applied for, I will name the sum. Bagatelles, or minor pianoforte solos, the price to be fixed when required.  The above works are all completed.  Solo pianoforte Sonata, 40 ducats (which could soon be delivered); Quartet for two violins, tenor, and violoncello, 50 ducats (this will also soon be ready).  I am by no means so anxious about these, however, as about a full and complete edition of my works, being desirous to edit them during my lifetime.  I have indeed received many proposals on this subject, but accompanied by stipulations to which I could scarcely agree, and which I neither could nor would fulfil.  I am willing to undertake, in the course of two years, or possibly a year, or a year and a half, with proper assistance, to edit and superintend a complete edition of my works, and to furnish a new composition in each style; namely, a new work in the style of variations, one in the sonata style, and so on in every separate class of work that I have ever composed, and for the whole combined I ask 10,000 florins C.M.

I am no man of business, and only wish I were; as it is, I am guided by the offers made to me by different competitors for my works, and such a competition is rather strong just now.  I request you to say nothing on the subject, because, as you may perceive from the proceedings of these gentlemen, I am exposed to a great deal of annoyance.  When once my works appear published by you, I shall no longer be plagued.  I shall be very glad if a connection be established between us, having heard you so well spoken of.  You will then also find that I infinitely prefer dealing with one person of your description than with a variety of people of the ordinary stamp.