Books: The Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, V.1.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart >> The Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, V.1.
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umilissmo e devotssmo servitore,
WOLFGANGO AMADEO MOZART.
Salisburgo, 4 Settembre, 1776.
[FOOTNOTE:
To Father Martini.
"Salzburg, Sept. 4, 1776.
"MOST REVEREND AND ESTEEMED FATHER AND MAESTRO,--
"The veneration, the esteem, and the respect I feel for your
illustrious person, induce me to intrude on you with this letter,
and also to send you a small portion of my music, which I venture
to submit to your masterly judgment. Last year, at Monaco, in
Bavaria, I wrote an opera buffa ("La finta Giardiniera") for the
Carnival. A few days previous to my departure from thence, his
Electoral Highness wished to hear some of my contrapuntal music;
I was therefore obliged to write this motett in haste, to allow
time for the score to be copied for his Highness, and to arrange
the parts so that it might be produced on the following Sunday at
grand mass at the offertory. Most dear and highly esteemed
Maestro, I do entreat you to give me unreservedly your candid
opinion of the motett. We live in this world in order always to
learn industriously, and to enlighten each other by means of
discussion, and to strive vigorously to promote the progress of
science and the fine arts. Oh, how many and many a time have I
desired to be nearer you, that I might converse and discuss with
your Reverence! I live in a country where music has very little
success, though, exclusive of those who have forsaken us, we have
still admirable professors, and more particularly composers of
great solidity, knowledge, and taste. We are rather badly off at
the theatre from the want of actors. We have no MUSICI, nor shall
we find it very easy to get any, because they insist upon being
well paid, and generosity is not a failing of ours. I amuse
myself in the mean time by writing church and chamber music, and
we have two excellent contrapuntists here, Haydn and Adlgasser.
My father is maestro at the Metropolitan church, which gives me
an opportunity to write for the church as much as I please.
Moreover, my father has been thirty-six years in the service of
this court, and knowing that our present Archbishop neither can
nor will endure the sight of elderly people, he does not take it
to heart, but devotes himself to literature, which was always his
favorite pursuit Our church music is rather different from that
of Italy, and the more so, as a mass including the Kyne, Gloria,
Credo, the Sonata all Epistola, the Offertory or Motett, Sanctus,
and Agnus Dei, and even a solemn mass, when the Prince himself
officiates, must never last more than three-quarters of an hour.
A particular course of study is required for this class of
composition. And what must such a mass be, scored with all the
instruments, war-drums, cymbals, &c, &c! Oh! why are we so far
apart, dearest Signor Maestro? for how many things I have to say
to you! I devoutly revere all the Signori Filarmonici. I venture
to recommend myself to your good opinion, I shall never cease
regretting being so distant from the person in the world whom I
most love, venerate, and esteem. I beg to subscribe myself,
reverend Father, always your most humble and devoted servant,
"WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART"
SECOND PART.
MUNICH, AUGSBURG, MANNHEIM.
SEPTEMBER 1771 TO MARCH 1778.
PART II.
On the 22d of December, 1777, Mozart's father wrote as follows to
Padre Martini in Bologna:--"My son has been now five years in the
service of our Prince, at a mere nominal salary, hoping that by
degrees his earnest endeavors and any talents he may possess,
combined with the utmost industry and most unremitting study,
would be rewarded; but in this hope we find ourselves deceived. I
forbear all allusion to our Prince's mode of thinking and acting;
but he was not ashamed to declare that my son knew nothing, and
that he ought to go to the musical training school in Naples to
learn music. And why did he say all this? In order to intimate
that a young man should not be so absurd as to believe that he
deserved a rather higher salary after such a decisive verdict had
issued from the lips of a prince. This has induced me to sanction
my son giving up his present situation. He therefore left
Salzburg on the 23d of September" [with his mother].
59.
Wasserburg, Sept. 23, 1777.
Mon Tres-Cher Pere,--
God be praised! we reached Waging, Stain, Ferbertshaim, and
Wasserburg safely. Now for a brief report of our journey. When we
arrived at the city gates, we were kept waiting for nearly a
quarter of an hour till they could be thrown open for us, as they
were under repair. Near Schinn we met a drove of cows, and one of
these very remarkable, for each side was a different color, which
we never before saw. When at last we got to Schinn, we met a
carriage, which stopped, and ecce, our postilion called out we
must change. "I don't care," said I. Mamma and I were parleying,
when a portly gentleman came up, whose physiognomy I at once
recognized; he was a Memmingen merchant. He stared at me for some
time, and at last said, "You surely are Herr Mozart?" "At your
service," said I; "I know you, too, by sight, but not your name.
I saw you, a year ago, at Mirabell's [the palace garden in
Salzburg] at a concert." He then told me his name, which, thank
God! I have forgotten; but I retained one of probably more
importance to me. When I saw this gentleman in Salzburg, he was
accompanied by a young man whose brother was now with him, and
who lives in Memmingen. His name is Herr Unhold, and he pressed
me very much to come to Memmingen if possible. We sent a hundred
thousand loves to papa by them, and to my sister, the madcap,
which they promised to deliver without fail. This change of
carriages was a great bore to me, for I wished to send a letter
back from Waging by the postilion. We then (after a slight meal)
had the honor of being conveyed as far as Stain, by the aforesaid
post-horses, in an hour and a half. At Waging I was alone for a
few minutes with the clergyman, who looked quite amazed, knowing
nothing of our history. From Stain we were driven by a most
tiresome phlegmatic postilion--N. B., in driving I mean; we
thought we never were to arrive at the next stage. At last we did
arrive, as you may see from my writing this letter. (Mamma is
half asleep.) From Ferbertshaim to Wasserburg all went on well.
Viviamo come i principi; we want nothing except you, dear papa.
Well, this is the will of God; no doubt all will go on right. I
hope to hear that papa is as well as I am and as happy. Nothing
comes amiss to me; I am quite a second papa, and look after
everything.[Footnote: The father had been very uneasy at the idea
of allowing the inexperienced youth, whose unsuspicious good-
nature exposed him still more to danger, to travel alone; for the
mother also was not very expert in travelling.] I settled from
the first to pay the postilions, for I can talk to such fellows
better than mamma. At the Stern, in Wasserburg, we are capitally
served; I am treated here like a prince. About half an hour ago
(mamma being engaged at the time) the Boots knocked at the door
to take my orders about various things, and I gave them to him
with the same grave air that I have in my portrait. Mamma is just
going to bed. We both beg that papa will be careful of his
health, not go out too early, nor fret, [Footnote: The Father was
strongly disposed to hypochondria.] but laugh and be merry and in
good spirits. We think the Mufti H. C. [the Archbishop Hieronymus
Colloredo] a MUFF, but we know God to be compassionate, merciful,
and loving. I kiss papa's hands a thousand times, and embrace my
SISTER MADCAP as often as I have to-day taken snuff. I think I
have left my diplomas at home? [his appointment at court.] I beg
you will send them to me soon. My pen is rude, and I am not
refined.
60.
Munich, Sept. 26, 1777.
WE arrived safely in Munich on the afternoon of the 24th, at
half-past four o'clock. A complete novelty to me was being
obliged to drive to the Custom House, escorted by a grenadier
with a fixed bayonet. The first person we knew, who met us when
driving, was Signor Consoli; he recognized me at once, and showed
the utmost joy at seeing me again. Next day he called on us. I
cannot attempt to describe the delight of Herr Albert [the
"learned landlord" of the Black Eagle, on the Kaufinger Gasse,
now Hotel Detzer]; he is indeed a truly honest man, and a very
good friend of ours. On my arrival I went to the piano, and did
not leave it till dinner-time. Herr Albert was not at home, but
he soon came in, and we went down to dinner together. There I met
M. Sfeer and a certain secretary, an intimate friend of his; both
send their compliments to you. Though tired by our journey, we
did not go to bed till late; we, however, rose next morning at
seven o'clock. My hair was in such disorder that I could not go
to Count Seeau's till half-past ten o'clock. When I got there I
was told that he had driven out to the chasse. Patience! In the
mean time I wished to call on Chorus-master Bernard, but he had
gone to the country with Baron Schmid. I found Herr von Belvall
deeply engaged in business; he sent you a thousand compliments.
Rossi came to dinner, and at two o'clock Consoli, and at three
arrived Becke [a friend of Mozart's and an admirable flute-
player], and also Herr von Belvall. I paid a visit to Frau von
Durst [with whom Nannerl had lived], who now lodges with the
Franciscans. At six o'clock I took a short walk with Herr Becke.
There is a Professor Huber here, whom you may perhaps remember
better than I do; he says that the last time he either saw or
heard me was at Vienna, at Herr von Mesmer's, junior. He is
neither tall nor short, pale, with silvery-gray hair, and his
physiognomy rather like that of Herr Unterbereiter. This
gentleman is vice-intendant of the theatre; his occupation is to
read through all the comedies to be acted, to improve or to
spoil, to add to or to put them aside. He comes every evening to
Albert's, and often talks to me. To-day, Friday, the 26th, I
called on Count Seeau at half-past eight o'clock. This was what
passed. As I was going into the house I met Madame Niesser, the
actress, just coming out, who said, "I suppose you wish to see
the Count?" "Yes!" "He is still in his garden, and Heaven knows
when he may come!" I asked her where the garden was. "As I must
see him also," said she, "let us go together." We had scarcely
left the house when we saw the Count coming towards us about
twelve paces off; he recognized and instantly named me. He was
very polite, and seemed already to know all that had taken place
about me. We went up the steps together slowly and alone; I told
him briefly the whole affair. He said that I ought at once to
request an audience of his Highness the Elector, but that, if I
failed in obtaining it, I must make a written statement. I
entreated him to keep this all quite private, and he agreed to do
so. When I remarked to him that there really was room for a
genuine composer here, he said, "I know that well." I afterwards
went to the Bishop of Chiemsee, and was with him for half an
hour. I told him everything, and he promised to do all he could
for me in the matter. At one o'clock he drove to Nymphenburg, and
declared positively he would speak to the Electress. On Sunday
the Count comes here. Herr Joannes Kronner has been appointed
Vice-Concertmeister, which he owes to a blunt speech of his. He
has produced two symphonies--Deo mene liberi [God preserve me
from such]--of his own composition. The Elector asked him, "Did
you really compose these?" "Yes, your Royal Highness!" "From whom
did you learn?" "From a schoolmaster in Switzerland, where so
much importance is attached to the study of composition. This
schoolmaster taught me more than all your composers here, put
together, could teach me." Count Schonborn and his Countess, a
sister of the Archbishop [of Salzburg], passed through here to-
day. I chanced to be at the play at the time. Herr Albert, in the
course of conversation, told them that I was here, and that I had
given up my situation. They were all astonishment, and positively
refused to believe him when he said that my salary, of blessed
memory, was only twelve florins thirty kreuzers! They merely
changed horses, and would gladly have spoken with me, but I was
too late to meet them. Now I must inquire what you are doing, and
how you are. Mamma and I hope that you are quite well. I am still
in my very happiest humor; my head feels as light as a feather
since I got away from that chicanery. I have grown fatter
already.
61.
Munich, Sept. 29, 1777.
TRUE enough, a great many kind friends, but unluckily most of
them have little or nothing in their power. I was with Count
Seeau yesterday, at half-past ten o'clock, and found him graver
and less natural than the first time; but it was only in
appearance, for to-day I was at Prince Zeill's [Bishop of
Chiemsee--No. 56], who, with all courtesy, said to me, "I don't
think we shall effect much here. During dinner, at Nymphenburg, I
spoke privately to the Elector, who replied: 'It is too soon at
this moment; he must leave this and go to Italy and become
famous. I do not actually reject him, but these are too early
days as yet.'" There it is! Most of these grandees have such
paroxysms of enthusiasm for Italy. Still, he advised me to go to
the Elector, and to place my case before him as I had previously
intended. I spoke confidentially at dinner to-day with Herr
Woschitka [violoncellist in the Munich court orchestra, and a
member of the Elector's private band], and he appointed me to
come to-morrow at nine o'clock, when he will certainly procure me
an audience. We are very good friends now. He insisted on knowing
the name of my informant; but I said to him, "Rest assured that I
am your friend and shall continue to be so; I am in turn equally
convinced of your friendship, so you must be satisfied with
this." But to return to my narrative. The Bishop of Chiemsee also
spoke to the Electress when tete-a-tete with her. She shrugged
her shoulders, and said she would do her best, but was very
doubtful as to her success. I now return to Count Seeau, who
asked Prince Zeill (after he had told him everything). "Do you
know whether Mozart has not enough from his family to enable him
to remain here with a little assistance? I should really like to
keep him." Prince Zeill answered: "I don't know, but I doubt it
much; all you have to do is to speak to himself on the subject."
This, then, was the cause of Count Seeau being so thoughtful on
the following day. I like being here, and I am of the same
opinion with many of my friends, that if I could only remain here
for a year or two, I might acquire both money and fame by my
works, and then more probably be sought by the court than be
obliged to seek it myself. Since my return here Herr Albert has a
project in his head, the fulfilment of which does not seem to me
impossible. It is this: He wishes to form an association of ten
kind friends, each of these to subscribe 1 ducat (50 gulden)
monthly, 600 florins a year. If in addition to this I had even
200 florins per annum from Count Seeau, this would make 800
florins altogether. How does papa like this idea? Is it not
friendly? Ought not I to accept it if they are in earnest? I am
perfectly satisfied with it; for I should be near Salzburg, and
if you, dearest papa, were seized with a fancy to leave Salzburg
(which from my heart I wish you were) and to pass your life in
Munich, how easy and pleasant would it be! For if we are obliged
to live in Salzburg with 504 florins, surely we might live in
Munich with 800.
To-day, the 30th, after a conversation with Herr Woschitka, I
went to court by appointment. Every one was in hunting-costume.
Baron Kern was the chamberlain on service. I might have gone
there last night, but I could not offend M. Woschitka, who
himself offered to find me an opportunity of speaking to the
Elector. At 10 o'clock he took me into a narrow little room,
through which his Royal Highness was to pass on his way to hear
mass, before going to hunt. Count Seeau went by, and greeted me
very kindly: "How are you, dear Mozart?" When the Elector came up
to me, I said, "Will your Royal Highness permit me to pay my
homage and to offer your Royal Highness my services?" "So you
have finally left Salzburg?" "I have left it forever, your Royal
Highness. I only asked leave to make a journey, and being
refused, I was obliged to take this step, although I have long
intended to leave Salzburg, which is no place for me, I feel
sure." "Good heavens! you are quite a young man. But your father
is still in Salzburg?" "Yes, your Royal Highness; he humbly lays
his homage at your feet, &c., &c. I have already been three times
in Italy. I have written three operas, and am a member of the
Bologna Academy; I underwent a trial where several maestri toiled
and labored for four or five hours, whereas I finished my work in
one. This is a sufficient testimony that I have abilities to
serve any court. My greatest wish is to be appointed by your
Royal Highness, who is himself such a great &c., &c." "But, my
good young friend, I regret that there is not a single vacancy.
If there were only a vacancy!" "I can assure your Royal Highness
that I would do credit to Munich." "Yes, but what does that avail
when there is no vacancy?" This he said as he was moving on; so I
bowed and took leave of his Royal Highness. Herr Woschitka
advises me to place myself often in the way of the Elector. This
afternoon I went to Count Salern's. His daughter is a maid of
honor, and was one of the hunting-party. Ravani and I were in the
street when the whole procession passed. The Elector and the
Electress noticed me very kindly. Young Countess Salern
recognized me at once, and waved her hand to me repeatedly. Baron
Rumling, whom I had previously seen in the antechamber, never was
so courteous to me as on this occasion. I will soon write to you
what passed with Salern. He was very kind, polite, and
straightforward.--P. S. Ma tres-chere soeur, next time I mean to
write you a letter all for yourself. My remembrances to B. C. M.
R. and various other letters of the alphabet. Adieu! A man built
a house here and inscribed on it: "Building is beyond all doubt
an immense pleasure, but I little thought that it would cost so
much treasure." During the night some one wrote underneath, "You
ought first to have counted the cost."
62.
Munich, Oct. 2, 1777.
YESTERDAY, October 1st, I was again at Count Salern's, and to-day
I even dined with him. I have played a great deal during the last
three days, and with right good will too. Papa must not, however,
imagine that I like to be at Count Salern's on account of the
young lady; by no means, for she is unhappily in waiting, and
therefore never at home, but I am to see her at court to-morrow
morning, at ten o'clock, in company with Madame Hepp, formerly
Madlle. Tosson. On Saturday the court leaves this, and does not
return till the 20th. To-morrow I am to dine with Madame and
Madlle. de Branca, the latter being a kind of half pupil of mine,
for Sigl seldom comes, and Becke, who usually accompanies her on
the flute, is not here. On the three days that I was at Count
Salern's I played a great many things extempore--two Cassations
[Divertimentos] for the Countess, and the finale and Rondo, and
the latter by heart. You cannot imagine the delight this causes
Count Salern. He understands music, for he was constantly saying
Bravo! while other gentlemen were taking snuff, humming and
hawing, and clearing their throats, or holding forth. I said to
him, "How I do wish the Elector were only here, that he might
hear me play! He knows nothing of me--he does not know what I can
do. How sad it is that these great gentlemen should believe what
any one tells them, and do not choose to judge for themselves!
BUT IT IS ALWAYS SO. Let him put me to the test. He may assemble
all the composers in Munich, and also send in quest of some from
Italy and France, Germany, and England and Spain, and I will
undertake to write against them all." I related to him all that
had occurred to me in Italy, and begged him, if the conversation
turned on me, to bring in these things. He said, "I have very
little influence, but the little that is in my power I will do
with pleasure." He is also decidedly of opinion that if I could
only remain here, the affair would come right of itself. It would
not be impossible for me to contrive to live, were I alone here,
for I should get at least 300 florins from Count Seeau. My board
would cost little, for I should be often invited out; and even
were it not so, Albert would always be charmed to see me at
dinner in his house. I eat little, drink water, and for dessert
take only a little fruit and a small glass of wine. Subject to
the advice of my kind friends, I would make the following
contract with Count Seeau:--I would engage to produce every year
four German operas, partly buffe and partly serie; from each of
these I should claim the profits of one performance, for such is
the custom here. This alone would bring me in 500 florins, which
along with my salary would make up 800 florins, but in all
probability more; for Reiner, an actor and singer, cleared 200
florins by his benefit, and I am VERY MUCH BELOVED HERE, and how
much more so should I be if I contributed to the elevation of
the national theatre of Germany in music! And this would
certainly be the case with me, for I was inspired with the most
eager desire to write when I heard the German operettas. The name
of the first singer here is Keiserin; her father is cook to a
count here; she is a very pleasing girl, and pretty on the stage;
I have not yet seen her near. She is a native of this place. When
I heard her it was only her third appearance on the stage. She
has a fine voice, not powerful, though by no means weak, very
pure, and a good intonation. Her instructor is Valesi; and her
style of singing shows that her master knows how to sing as well
as how to teach. When she sustains her voice for a couple of
bars, I am quite surprised at the beauty of her crescendo and
decrescendo. She as yet takes her shakes slowly, and this I
highly approve of, for it will be all the more pure and clear if
she ever wishes to take it quicker; besides, it is easier when
quick. She is a great favorite with the people here, and with me.
Mamma was in the pit; she went as early as half-past four o'clock
to get a place. I, however, did not go till half-past six
o'clock, for I can go to any box I please, being pretty well
known. I was in the Brancas' box; I looked at Keiserin with my
opera-glass, and at times she drew tears from my eyes. I often
called out bravo, bravissimo, for I always remembered that it was
only her third appearance. The piece was Das Fischermadchen, a
very good translation of Piccini's opera, with his music. As yet
they have no original pieces, but are now anxious soon to give a
German opera seria, and a strong wish prevails that I should
compose it. The aforesaid Professor Huber is one of those who
wish this. I shall now go to bed, for I can sit up no longer. It
is just ten o'clock. Baron Rumling lately paid me the following
compliment: "The theatre is my delight--good actors and
actresses, good singers, and a clever composer, such as
yourself." This is indeed only talk, and words are not of much
value, but he never before spoke to me in this way.
I write this on the 3d of October. To-morrow the court departs,
and does not return till the 20th. If it had remained here, I
would have taken the step I intended, and stayed on here for a
time; but as it is, I hope to resume my journey with mamma next
Tuesday. But meanwhile the project of the associated friends,
which I lately wrote to you about, may be realized, so that when
we no longer care to travel we shall have a resource to fall back
upon. Herr von Krimmel was to-day with the Bishop of Chiemsee,
with whom he has a good deal to do on the subject of salt. He is
a strange man; here he is called "your Grace,"--that is, THE
LACKEYS do so. Having a great desire that I should remain here,
he spoke very zealously to the Prince in my favor. He said to me,
"Only let me alone; I will speak to the Prince, and I have a
right to do so, for I have done many things to oblige him." The
Prince promised him that I should POSITIVELY be appointed, but
the affair cannot be so quickly settled. On the return of the
court he is to speak to the Elector with all possible earnestness
and zeal. At eight o'clock this morning I called on Count Seeau.
I was very brief, and merely said, "I have only come, your
Excellency, to explain my case clearly. I have been told that I
ought to go to Italy, which is casting a reproach on me. I was
sixteen months in Italy, I have written three operas, and all
this is notorious enough. What further occurred, your Excellency
will see from these papers." And after showing him the diplomata,
I added, "I only show these and say this to your Excellency that,
in the event of my being spoken of, and any injustice done me,
your Excellency may with good grounds take my part." He asked me
if I was now going to France. I said I intended to remain in
Germany; by this, however, he supposed I meant Munich, and said,
with a merry laugh, "So you are to stay here after all?" I
replied, "No! to tell you the truth, I should like to have
stayed, if the Elector had favored me with a small sum, so that I
might then have offered my compositions to your Excellency devoid
of all interested motives. It would have been a pleasure to me to
do this." At these words he half lifted his skull-cap.
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