66.

Augsburg, Oct. 17, 1777.

With regard to the daughter of Hamm, the Secretary of War, I can only say that there can be no doubt she has a decided talent for music, for she has only learned three years, and can play a number of pieces very well.  I find it difficult, however, to explain distinctly the impression she makes on me while she is playing; she seems to me so curiously constrained, and she has such an odd way of stalking over the keys with her long bony fingers!  To be sure, she has had no really good master, and if she remains in Munich she will never become what her father wishes and hopes, for he is eager beyond measure that she should one day be a distinguished pianiste.  If she goes to papa at Salzburg, it will be a twofold benefit to her, both as to music and common sense, of which she certainly has no great share.  She has often made me laugh very much, and you would have amusement enough for your trouble.  She is too absent to think of eating much.  You say I ought to have practised with her?  I really could not for laughing, for when I occasionally played something with the right hand, she instantly said bravissimo, and that in the voice of a little mouse.

I will now relate to you as briefly as possible the Augsburg history to which I have already alluded.  Herr von Fingerle, who sent his compliments to you, was also at Herr Graf’s.  The people were very civil, and discussed the concert I proposed to give, all saying, “It will be one of the most brilliant concerts ever given in Augsburg.  You have a great advantage in having made the acquaintance of our Stadtpfleger Langenmantl; besides, the name of Mozart has much influence here.”  So we separated mutually pleased.  I must now tell you that Herr von Langenmantl, junior, when at Herr Stein’s, said that he would pledge himself to arrange a concert in the Stube, [Footnote:  The Bauernstube, the Patrician Casino.] (as something very select, and complimentary to me,) for the nobility alone.  You can’t think with what zeal he spoke, and promised to undertake it.  We agreed that I should call on him the next morning for the answer; accordingly I went; this was on the 13th.  He was very polite, but said that as yet he could not say anything decided.  I played there again for an hour, and he invited me next day, the 14th, to dinner.  In the forenoon he sent to beg that I would come to him at eleven o’clock, and bring some pieces with me, as he had asked some of the professional musicians, and they intended to have some music.  I immediately sent some music, and went myself at eleven, when, with many lame excuses, he coolly said, “By the by, I could do nothing about the concert; oh, I was in such a rage yesterday on your account.  The patrician members of the Casino said that their cashbox was at a very low ebb, and that you were not the kind of virtuoso who could expect a souverain d’or.”  I merely smiled, and said, “I quite agree with them.”