“You do not say what other offers you had, besides that from Buxton. I think you will find him straightforward in his dealings, and ready to recognize that the market value of your productions is constantly increasing. So I should say you might ask £50 more than you did for the ‘Hymn of Praise.’
“One point to take into consideration is whether this work is richer than the other in Solos, these being a better source of income to the publisher than Choruses.”
Moscheles had probably forgotten the fact that Mendelssohn received only £25 for his “Hymn of Praise” from Messrs. Novello. The same firm bought the copyright of his “Elijah,” in June, 1847, for 250 guineas.
It may be interesting to mention here some of the prices given for other works of Mendelssohn by Messrs. Novello. For his music to Sophocles’s “Antigone,” £30 10s.; Duo for Piano and Violin in D, Op. 58, £12 12s.; “Walpurgisnacht,” £24; Music to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (not including Overture), £47 5s.; “Hear my Prayer, O Lord,” £4; Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 64, £10 10s.; Book 6 of “Songs without Words,” Op. 67, £25; Trio in D minor for Piano, Violin, and Violoncello, Op. 49, £10 10s.; Trio in C minor for ditto, Op. 66, £20; Six Songs, Op. 71, £20.
Leipzig, May 23, 1846.
My dear Friend,—As I am leaving this evening for the Rhine, and have not yet heard from you in answer to my last letter, I send to-day a complete copy of the first part of my “Elijah” to Messrs. Hüttner & Co., Ewer’s correspondents in Hamburg, to be forwarded to you through Mr. Buxton. I enclose also a copy of the words. This and the score please place at once in Mr. Bartholomew’s hands, for the purposes of translation.
May you find something in my score to please you; and may you at least recognize my good intentions, and reward them with your usual kindness and friendship!
Ever yours,