52.
Vienna, Sept. 15, 1773.
WE are quite well, thank God; on this occasion we have contrived to make
time to write to you, although we have so much business to do. We hope
you also are well. Dr. Niderl's death grieved us very much. I assure you
we cried a good deal, and moaned and groaned. Our kind regards to "Alle
gute Geister loben Gott den Herrn" [to all good spirits who praise the
Lord], and to all our friends. We graciously remain
Yours, WOLFGANG.
Given from our capital of Vienna.
The travellers returned home the end of September, for no situation was
to be found in Vienna either; indeed, they did not even give a public
concert there. Wolfgang remained in his native town during the whole of
the ensuing year, writing instrumental and church music. At length he
received a commission from the Elector of Bavaria, Maximilian III., to
write an opera buffa for the Carnival of 1775,--"La finta Giardiniera."
53.
Munich, Dec. 28, 1774.
My Dearest Sister,
I entreat you not to forget, before your journey, [FOOTNOTE: Nannerl had
also the most eager desire to see the new opera, and the father at last
succeeded in getting a lodging for her in the large market place, in the
house of a widow, "a black-eyed brunette," Frau von Durst.] to perform
your promise, that is, to make a certain visit. I have my reasons for
this. Pray present my kind regards in that quarter, but in the most
impressive and tender manner--the most tender; and, oh!----but I need
not be in such anxiety on the subject, for I know my sister and her
peculiarly loving nature, and I feel quite convinced that she will do
all she can to give me pleasure--and from self-interest, too--rather
a spiteful hit that! [Nannerl was considered a little selfish by her
family.]
54.
Munich, Dec. 30, 1774.
I BEG my compliments to Roxalana, who is to drink tea this evening with
the Sultan, All sorts of pretty speeches to Madlle. Mizerl; she must not
doubt my love. I have her constantly before my eyes in her fascinating
neglige. I have seen many pretty girls here, but not one whose beauty
can be compared with hers. Do not forget to bring the variations on
Ekart's menuet d'exaude, and also those on Fischer's minuet. I was at
the theatre last night. The play was "Der Mode nach der Haushaltung,"
which was admirably acted. My kind regards to all my friends. I trust
that you will not fail to--Farewell! I hope to see you soon in Munich.
Frau von Durst sends you her remembrances. Is it true that Hagenauer is
become a professor of sculpture in Vienna? Kiss mamma's hand for me,
and now I stop for to-day. Wrap yourself up warmly on your journey, I
entreat, or else you may chance to pass the fourteen days of your visit
in the house, stifling beside a stove, unable once to move. I see the
vivid lightning flash, and fear there soon will be a crash!
Your brother.
55.
To HIS MOTHER.
Munich, Jan. 11, 1775.
WE are all three well, Heaven be praised! I cannot possibly write much,
for I must go forthwith to the rehearsal. Tomorrow the grand rehearsal
takes place, and on the 13th my opera is to be in scena. I am much vexed
that you should cast any slight on Count Seeau [Intendant of the Munich
Theatre], for no one can be more kind or courteous, and he has more good
breeding than many of his degree in Munich. Herr von Molk was in such a
state of wonder and admiration at the opera seria when he heard it, that
we felt quite ashamed of him, for it clearly showed every one that he
had never in his life seen anything but Salzburg and Innspruck. Addio!
56.
To HIS MOTHER.
Munich, Jan. 14, 1775.
GOD be praised! My opera was given yesterday, the 13th, and proved so
successful that I cannot possibly describe all the tumult. In the first
place, the whole theatre was so crammed that many people were obliged
to go away. After each aria there was invariably a tremendous uproar and
clapping of hands, and cries of Viva Maestro! Her Serene Highness the
Electress and the Dowager (who were opposite me) also called out Bravo!
When the opera was over, during the interval when all is usually quiet
till the ballet begins, the applause and shouts of Bravo! were renewed;
sometimes there was a lull, but only to recommence afresh, and so forth.
I afterwards went with papa to a room through which the Elector and
the whole court were to pass. I kissed the hands of the Elector and the
Electress and the other royalties, who were all very gracious. At an
early hour this morning the Prince Bishop of Chiemsee [who had most
probably procured the scrittura for his young friend Wolfgang] sent to
congratulate me that the opera had proved such a brilliant success in
every respect. As to our return home, it is not likely to be soon, nor
should mamma wish it, for she must know well what a good thing it is to
have a little breathing time. We shall come quite soon enough to----.
One most just and undeniable reason is, that my opera is to be given
again on Friday next, and I am very necessary at the performance, or it
might be difficult to recognize it again. There are very odd ways here.
1000 kisses to Miss Bimberl [the dog].
The Archbishop of Salzburg, who was very reluctant to admit the merits
of his Concertmeister, was an involuntary witness of the universal
approbation bestowed on Wolfgang's opera, although he would not go
to hear it himself. On the 18th of January, 1775, Wolfgang added the
following lines to his father's letter:--
57.