# - Haydn, Joseph.

discussing the publication of four symphonies and two trios, including his negotiations with Tost and Artaria, explaining that but for the late receipt of Sieber's letter he would have relinquished any claim on the symphonies, suggesting that Tost keep the symphonies and that Sieber be offered the trios ("Sonaten"), agreeing to compose the symphonies, offering to stall Tost and pleading with him to convince Tost to give up any claim to the works ("...Ich verpflichte mich...die 4 Sinfonien sobald möglich zu Componieren....Hingegen bitte ich Sie, um den Herrn Tost ebenfalls zu überzeugen, und um...alle übrige...gestellte Forderung diese 4 Sinfonien zu begegnen, mir eine Authentisierte Schrift von Ihrer Seite zu meiner Rechtfertigung zu überschicken. Damit sowohl ich von Ihrer, als Sie von meinerseits gesichert, und dem Herrn Tost ein Ewiges stillschweig[en] auferlegt wird..."), 2 pages, 4to, integral autograph address-panel, annotated by the recipient in cerise ink on the first page ("repondu du 8 aust 1789"), citron straight-grained morocco, gilt lettering, Esterházy, 21 June 1789, integral laid down at the edges

Maggs Bros. Catalogue 320 (1914), item 328

H. C. Robbins Landon, Haydn. Chronicle and Works, ii (1978), p.725 (containing a translation of the second page of the letter); David Wynn Jones, Haydn (Oxford), p.  

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This important letter has never been published in its entirety in either the original German or in English translation.

It seems that in 1788 the violinist Johann Tost left Esterháza for Paris, taking with him Haydn's six Quartets Op.54 and Op.55 and the Symphonies Nos. 88 and 89, works to which Tost evidently had rights and which Haydn expected him to sell. Tost seems to have exceeded his authority and caused Haydn a certain amount of irritation. In all, Sieber published over 50 of Haydn's symphonies, including possibly the first editions of nos.88 and 89, as well as possibly the first edition of the String Quartets Op.54/55. 

The date of the letter is 21 June 1789, and not 27 June 1789 as previously reported in the literature.