We can here, of course, touch only on the principal incidents of Mozart’s journey, on those which influenced his subsequent life, and must refer the reader for more detailed information to his letters. We find in them the clearest and most charming descriptions of his life. They appeal to our deepest feelings; for they are addressed, almost without exception, to the father. The father’s answers had to be very explicit, for there was ample room for advice and timely precaution, much to deter from or to make good again, as occasion required, and not a little place for admonition. In every one of them, we find the reflection of the solid worth of these two faithful souls, a worth which was destined to find a really ideal and transfigured echo in Mozart’s music. This journey had for effect the development of Mozart’s inmost nature. It gave his artistic creations that sovereign and catholic character for which they are so remarkable.
Wolfgang wrote some letters home, when he reached the first station. In one of them we read: “We live like princes. There is nothing wanting to complete our happiness but papa. But, please God, all will be well with us.”... “I hope that papa will be cheerful and as well satisfied as I am. I can put up very well with my lot. I am a second papa. I look after everything. I have undertaken to pay the postillion, too, for I can talk to the fellows better than mamma can. Papa should take care of his health, and remember that the mufti J. C. [Jerome Colloredo] is a mean fellow, but that God is compassionate, merciful and kind.” No sooner, however, had they reached their first stopping-place than things began to wear a different aspect. Mozart received, indeed, a warm reception. There was no lack of admiration for, or of recognition of, his genius. But he met with no success. His receipts were small, and employment hard to find. The innkeeper, Albert, of the sign of the “Black Eagle” (the hotel Detzer of the present), received them. Albert was known as the “learned host,” and took no small interest in art. Mozart first called on the manager of the theatre, count Seeau. He thought that if he had only one more opera, all would be well with him. He next visited the bishop of Chiemsee, to whom he owed it that he had the opportunity to compose the Verstellte Gaertnerin. Everybody knew of his arrival, and advised him to go direct to the elector, who was a patron of the fine arts, and esteemed Mozart himself very highly. But many days did not pass before Wolfgang discovered that the bishop had had a private conversation at table, in Nymphenburg, from which he gathered that he could accomplish very little in Munich. The bishop said: “It is too soon yet. He must go; he must take a trip to Italy and become famous. I refuse him nothing; but it is too soon yet.” The father was right; the want of good will hides itself too frequently behind the mask of “youth and too little experience.” And yet, we must ask, who was so much more celebrated than this young Cavaliere filarmonico? The electoress, too, shrugged her shoulders, but promised to do her best.
Mozart, however, insisted on going to Nymphenburg. The elector wanted to bear mass just before going to hunt. Mozart thus dramatizes the scene in one of his letters:
“With your electoral highness’s permission, I would fain most humbly cast myself at your highness’s feet and offer my services to your highness.”
“Well, have you left Salzburg for good?”
“Yes, for good, your electoral highness.”
“But why for good? Have you quarreled?”
“Well, please your electoral highness, I only asked leave to take a trip. This was refused me, and hence I was compelled to take this step, although I had long contemplated leaving, for Salzburg is no place for me.”
“My God, and you a young man!”
“I have been in Italy three times. I have written three operas, am a member of the Academy of Bologna, and have been obliged to undergo an examination on which many a master has been obliged to work and to sweat over for four or five hours. I got through it in an hour. This may prove to your highness that I am able to be of service at any court. My only wish is to serve your electoral highness, who is himself a great....”