Mozart: A Life in Letters: A Life in Letters

by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  Your Grace will therefore permit me most humbly to ask most submissively for my discharge as I am obliged to take advantage of this before the coming month of September in order not to be exposed to the bad weather during the cold months that will soon follow. Your Grace will not respond ungraciously to this most humble request as you yourself most graciously declared three years ago, when I asked for your permission to travel to Vienna, that I had nothing to hope for and would do better to try my luck elsewhere. I thank Your Grace in the deepest humility for all the favours that I have received, and in the most flattering hope of being able to serve Your Grace with greater success in my years of manhood, I commend myself to your continuing grace and favour,

  the most humble and obedient servant

  of Your Grace,

  My Most Gracious Sovereign Prince

  and

  Lord,

  Wolfgang Amade Mozart

  50. Court Decree of the Archbishop of Salzburg, 1 September 1777

  To His Grace the Archbishop of Salzburg the most humble and submissive petition of Wolfgang Amade Mozart By His Most Serene Highness’s decree, 28 August 1777.

  To the Court Exchequer with the request that father and son be given permission to seek their fortune elsewhere, according to the Gospel.

  In Cons[ili]o C[ame]rae, 1 September of this year. By Decree

  Decree to His Highness of Salzburg’s Konzertmeister Wolfgang Amade Mozart.

  His Highness having received the most humble petition of the aforenamed asking to be released from His Highness’s most gracious service, he most graciously decrees that father and son have permission to seek their fortune elsewhere, the aforementioned Mozart herewith informed accordingly of His Highness’s supreame decision.

  Decretum in Consilio Camerae Salzburgensi 1

  1 September 1777

  Decree to the Court Treasury here.

  The Court Treasury hereby informed, so that it may regulate his salary in the event of his leaving the court’s service.

  Decretum ut supra. 2

  In an act of calculated maliciousness, Archbishop Colloredo had granted both Wolfgang and his father permission to leave his service, but Leopold himself had no intention of doing so. He remained behind in Salzburg when on 23 September Mozart, accompanied by his mother, set out on a journey to secure a position for himself. It was the first time the twenty-one-year-old had travelled without his father. Their immediate destination was Munich.

  51. Mozart to his father, 23 September 1777, Wasserburg

  Mon très cher Père,

  Praise and thanks be to God, we arrived safely in Waging, Stein, Frabertsham and Wasserburg; now for a brief description of our journey. As soon as we reached the gates, we were held up for almost a quarter of an hour until the gates were fully opened, as some work was being done there. Outside Schign we encountered a number of cows, one of which was remarkable – – it had only one side, something we’ve never seen before. At Schign, finally, we saw a carriage that was stationary, and lo and behold – our postilion called out – – we have to change here – – as you like, I said. As my Mama and I were talking, a fat gentleman came up to our carriage, and I recognized his symphony1 at once – – he’s a businessman from Memmingen. He looked at me for a while, then finally said: you’re Herr Mozart, aren’t you? At your service. I recognize you, too, but I don’t know your name. I saw you at a concert at Mirabell a year ago. He then told me his name, but, praise and thanks be to God, I’ve forgotten it. But I’ve remembered someone who’s possibly more important. When I saw him in Salzburg, he had a young man with him, and this time he had this young man’s brother with him, someone from Memmingen by the name of Unold;2 this young man urged me to go Memmingen if at all possible. We gave these gentlemen 100, 000 good wishes for Papa and my scoundrel of a sister; they promised that they would certainly pass them on. This change of mail coaches was most unwelcome as I wanted to give the postilion a letter to take with him from Waging. After we’d had a bite to eat at Waging, we had the honour of being taken to Stein by the same horses as those that we’d had for the last hour and a half. In Stein I was briefly alone with the priest, who was wide-eyed with amazement as he didn’t know our story. From Stein we travelled with a postilion who was terribly phlegmatic – as a driver, I mean We thought we’d never reach the post house but finally got there. Mama is already half asleep as I’m writing this. From Frabertsham to Wasserburg everything went very well. Viviamo come i Principi.3 All that’s missing is Papa, but, then, that’s God’s will. Everything will turn out for the best. I hope that Papa is well and that he’s as happy as I am. I’m coping well. I’m a second Papa. I’m seeing to everything. I immediately asked to be able to pay the postilions as I can speak to these fellows better than Mama. We’re being splendidly well looked after at the Star here in Wasserburg. I’m sitting here like a prince. Half an hour ago – Mama was just in the pr--y – the innkeeper knocked and asked about all manner of things, and I replied with all the seriousness that you know from my portrait;4 I must stop, Mama has finished undressing. Both of us ask Papa to take good care of his health, not to go out too early; not to get worked up, to have a good laugh and be merry and all the time be pleased to remember, as we do, that Mufti H. C.5 is a prick, but God is merciful, compassionate and loving. I kiss Papa’s hands 1000 times and embrace my scoundrel of a sister as often as I’ve––– taken snuff today.

  P.S: This pen is as coarse as I am.

  Wasserburg, 23 Sept. 1777. undecima hora nocte tempore.6

  I think I left my diplomas7 at home. – – Could you send them on as soon as possible? Half past 6 in the morning. 24 Sept. Your most obedient son,

  Wolfgang Amadé Mozart

  52. Leopold Mozart to his wife and son, 25 September 1777, Salzburg

  My Dears,

  It was with the greatest pleasure that I received dear Wolfg.’s letter this morning. Herr Bullinger, 1too, has just read it and laughed uproariously – he sends you his best wishes. I’m very pleased to hear that you’re both well: for my own part, I’m now much better, thank God. After you’d left, I came upstairs very wearily and threw myself into an armchair. I made every effort to curb my feelings when we said goodbye, in order not to make our farewell even more painful, and in my daze forgot to give my son a father’s blessing. I ran to the window and called after you but couldn’t see you driving out through the gates, so we thought you’d already left as I’d been sitting for a long time, not thinking of anything. Nannerl was astonishingly tearful and it required every effort to comfort her. She complained of a headache and terrible stomach pains, finally she started to be sick, vomiting good and proper, after which she covered her head, went to bed and had the shutters closed, with poor Pimpes beside her. I went to my own room, said my morning prayers, went back to bed at half past 8, read a book, felt calmer and fell asleep. The dog came and I woke up. She made it clear that she wanted me to take her for a walk, from which I realized that it must be nearly 12 o’clock and that she wanted to be let out. I got up, found my fur and saw that Nannerl was fast asleep and, looking at the clock, saw that it was half past 12. When I got back with the dog, I woke Nannerl and sent for lunch. Nannerl had no appetite at all; she ate nothing, went back to bed after lunch and, once Herr Bullinger had left, I spent the time praying and reading in bed. By the evening Nannerl felt better and was hungry, we played piquet, then ate in my room and played a few more rounds after supper and then, in God’s name, went to bed. And so this sad day came to an end, a day I never thought I’d have to endure. On Wednesday, Nannerl went to church early. In the afternoon we had target-practice.2 Herr Bullinger won for Sallerl, 3 he played for both Mama and Sallerl, and so Mama has won 11 kr., whereas Wolfg. has lost 4 kr. Herr Bullinger and Katherl4 played with us till 6, and the day ended with the Rosary, which I say for you every day. This morning I sent for Herr Glatz5 of Augsb., and we agreed that in Augsb. you should stay at the Lamb in the Heilige Kreuzgasse, where lunch costs 30 kr. per person
, the rooms are attractive and the most respectable people stay – English, French, etc. You’ll also be very close to the church of the Holy Cross, and my brother Franz Alois is also nearby in the Jesuitengasse.6 So you shouldn’t say anything to Herr Albert, as it’s too expensive at the 3 Moors, 7 he asks an extraordinary amount for the rooms and each meal works out at 45 or even 48 kr. per person. If you go to Augsb., Wolfg. should arrange to be taken at once to the organ-builder, Herr Stein, 8 who hasn’t seen him since he was 7 and is unlikely, therefore, to recognize him. He can say that he’s come from Innsbruck with a commission to inspect his instruments. Herr Glatz tells me that Herr Stein, Herr Bioley and Herr Fingerlin9 are in a position to organize a particularly good concert. You must also call on Herr Christoph von Zabuesnig, who wrote that beautiful German poem about you in Salzb., 10 he’s a businessman and a scholar. In Augsb. this gentleman may be able to arrange for something nice and impressive to be published in the papers. Herr Gasser is the businessman who packed up my books without charging me a penny, took them to Frankfurt and brought back for me the money that he got for them, so you must call on him and thank him for me, it’s a favour that he can always do for me. My brother or his daughter11 will no doubt take you to see His Grace, the magistrate Herr von Langenmantel, 12 to whom you should give my most humble good wishes. Mama knows how well we know each other, we travelled to Salzb. together, when Herr von Heffner’s father was also present. You don’t have to wear your cross13 at court, except in Augsburg, where you should wear it every day, for here it will earn you esteem and respect, as indeed it will wherever there is no ruling lord. If you want to visit the monasteries of the Holy Cross and St Ulrich, you can certainly do so and try out their organs. Herr Stein will no doubt show you his organ at the church of the Discalced Friars. Herr Hilber’s son is at St Ulrich’s Monastery.14 NB: There is a certain organist and composer in Augsb., of whom the locals have been making a great fuss. I’ve forgotten his name.15

  Wherever you are, always make sure that the innkeeper puts the boot-trees in your boots. – –

  The music can always remain at the front in the trunk, but you should buy a large oilcloth and use both this and the old one to wrap it well, in order to ensure that it’s really safe.

  I think I also need to remind you that the Salzb. half-batzen 16 won’t be of any use to you from now on, not even in Munich. I don’t supose you’ve got any, but if you do, the Salzb. guard will be able to change them. Whether the batzen are any good, I don’t know, you need to enquire of Herr Albert about the smaller denominations.

  I’d intended to be up by 9 this morning, but Herr Glatz found me still in bed, as did Sergeant Clessin, so I was unable to get up till 11. Everyone admires Wolfg.’s portrait. Herr Clessin thought you were coming straight back, as did Herr von Schiedenhofen, who called on us yesterday evening from 5 till 7; indeed, everyone thinks so.

  If you leave Munich without being able to inform me, you must leave a note at the post office in Munich, stating: If letters arrive with the following address – aè Monsieur Wolfgang Amadé Mozart Maître de Musique – please forward them to the landlord of the Lamb in the Heilige Kreuzgasse in Augsburg.

  You left behind the trousers of your pike-grey suit. If I can find no other opportunity to send them on, I’ll include them with the Antretter music, a number of contredanses, the Adagio and Rondo that was written for Brunetti17 and anything else that falls into my hands, and give them to the messenger, who can send them to my brother in Augsburg in the event that he misses you – I don’t think he’s due to arrive until midday on Monday. There was a row yesterday between Haydn and the Kapellmeister. The english horn concerto was to be rehearsed again after Vespers, even though it has already been performed once, and Ferlendis and Brunetti weren’t there; Haydn became angry and said that the rehearsal was in any case unnecessary and why should they wait for those Italian fools? Rust said that it’s he who gives the orders around here etc. – The service lasted till a quarter to 11, and an Agnus Dei by Haydn was again given as Rust wasn’t ready. The sonata was one of Wolfgang’s.18

  Don’t forget to obtain some letters of recommendation in Munich, especially from the bishop of Chiemsee.

  Count Seinsheim could give you one to take with you to Würzburg, the bishop is his father’s brother. Nannerl and I send our good wishes to Mama and kiss you both a million times, addio.

  Mozart

  53. Mozart to his father, 26 September 1777, Munich

  Mon très cher Père,

  We arrived safely in Munich at half past 4 on the evening of the 24th; the first thing that was new is that we had to drive to the customs, accompanied by a grenadier with a fixed bayonet. The first familiar face that we saw on our way there was Sgr Consoli, 1 who recognized me at once and who was indescribably happy to see me. He called on me the very next day. I can’t begin to tell you how delighted Herr Albert was. He really is a thoroughly decent man, and our very good friend. Following my arrival, I remained at the keyboard till it was time to eat. Herr Albert still hadn’t returned home, but he finally arrived and we went down to supper together. There I met Monsieur Sfeer and a certain secretary, who is a very good friend of his. Both men send their best wishes. It was late when we got to bed, and we were tired after the journey. We were already up again at 7 on the 25th, but my hair was in such a mess that it wasn’t until ½ past 10 that I arrived at Count Seeau’s2 and when I got there, I was told that he’d already gone hunting: patience! I then wanted to go and see the choirmaster, Herr Pernat, but he had gone off with Baron Schmidt to his estates. Herr Belval was very busy when I called on him and had time only to pass on his best wishes. Rossi arrived during lunch. Consoli came at 2, Becke3 and Herr von Belval at 3.I paid a courtesy call on Frau von Durst, who is lodging near the Franciscans. At 6 I went for a short walk with Herr Becke. There is a certain Professor Huber4 here – you may remember him better than I do – who says that he saw and heard me at young Herr von Mesmer’s the last time I was in Vienna. He’s not especially tall, nor is he especially short, but pale, with whitish grey hair and in his appearance he looks a bit like the under riding master. He’s also deputy intendant at the theatre; his job is to read the plays that they want to perform and to improve or ruin or lengthen or shorten them. He comes to Albert’s every evening. Today, Friday the 26th, I was at Count Seeau’s at ´ past 8. I was just entering the building when Madame Nieser, the actress, came out and asked me whether I was going to see the count. Yes. He’s still in his garden, and God knows when he’ll return. I asked her where his garden is, well, she said, I too want to speak to him, let’s go together. We’d scarcely reached the gates when the count came out to meet us, and was still some 12 paces away when he recognized me and called me by name. He was very polite. He already knew what had happened to me. We went slowly up the steps, just the two of us; I told him briefly why I’d come. He said I should waste no more time but ask for an audience with His Highness the Elector. But if I couldn’t arrange this, I should put my case before him in writing. I begged him to say nothing about all this, – he gave me his word. When I told him that a good composer was badly needed here, he said: I know! I then called on the bishop of Chiemsee and was with him for half an hour. I told him everything. He promised to do all he could in this matter. He was going to Nymphenburg at 1 o’clock and gave me his word that he’d speak to Her Highness the Electress5 about it. The court is returning on Sunday evening. At lunch today we were guests of Herr von Belval at Rasco’s; Rasco and the others – Herr von Lori, 6 Belval, Passauer

  – all send their best wishes. We then called on Frau von Durst. She lives 3 flights up in Bürgermeister Schmädel’s house. Herr von Lori has rooms on the 2nd floor. From here we were collected by Herr Sigl7 – he’s been married for 2 months – and all of us went to see Frau von Hofstetten; her husband isn’t here but will soon be returning. Franz Dufraisne is a court councillor but so far sine auro :8 Sigl then drove Mama home as she’d promised Becke that she’d go and see
a play with him, and I took Frau von Durst home and then went to the theatre, where we all met up again. They were playing Henriette, Or She’s Already Married.9 At ½ past 11 this morning I went with Becke to see Fräulein von Seeau, who’s as pretty as a picture. Fräulein d’Hosson has made a very good match. He’s called Hepp. People say he’s very rich. Herr Johann Cröner10 has been appointed deputy Konzertmeister on the strength of his coarse language. Two of his symphonies – Dio mene liberi 11– have been performed here: the elector asked him: did you really write that? – – Yes, Your Highness. Who taught you? – A schoolteacher in Switzerland – – people make such a fuss about composition – – but this schoolteacher told me more than all our composers here could tell me. Count Schönborn12 arrived today with his wife, the archbishop’s sister. I happened to be at the theatre at the time: in the course of his conversation with them, Herr Albert told them that I was here and that I’m no longer in service. Both of them expressed their surprise. They simply refused to believe that I earned 12 fl. 30 kr. of blessed memory! They were just changing horses or else they’d have liked to have spoken to me. But I didn’t see them again. But how are things with you? How are you feeling? Mama and I hope that you’re both well.