I must now go to bed.  I shall have plenty of work to do during the two months of my stay,—­three concertos, two quartets, five or six duets for the piano, and I also have thoughts of composing a new grand mass, and dedicating it to the Elector.  Adieu!  I will write to Prince Zeill next post-day to press forward matters in Munich; if you would also write to him, I should be very glad.  But short and to the point—­no cringing! for that I cannot bear.  It is quite certain that he can do it if he likes, for all Munich told me so [see Nos. 56 and 60].

84.

Mannheim, Dec. 14, 1777.

I can only write a few words, as I did not get home till four o’clock, when I had a lesson to give to the young lady of the house.  It is now nearly half-past five, so time to close my letter.  I will ask mamma to write a few days beforehand, so that all our news may not be of the same date, for I can’t easily do this.  The little time that I have for writing must be devoted to composition, for I have a great deal of work before me.  I entreat you to answer me very soon as to my journey to Paris.  I played over my concertone on the piano to Herr Wendling, who said it was just the thing for Paris; if I were to play that to Baron Bach, he would be in ecstasies.  Adieu!

85.

[A P.S.  To A letter from his mother.]

Mannheim, Dec. 18, 1777.

In the greatest haste and hurry!  The organ that was tried to-day in the Lutheran church is very good, not only in certain registers, but in its whole compass. [Footnote:  The mother writes:  “A Lutheran of degree called on us to-day, and invited Wolfgang, with all due politeness, to try their new organ.”] Vogler played on it.  He is only a juggler, so to speak; as soon as he wishes to play in a majestic style, he becomes dull.  Happily this seems equally tedious to himself, so it does not last long; but then, what follows? only an incomprehensible scramble.  I listened to him from a distance.  He began a fugue, in chords of six notes, and presto.  I then went up to him, for I would far rather see than hear him.  There were a great many people present, and among the musicians Holzbauer, Cannabich, Toeschi, &c.

A quartet for the Indian Dutchman, that true benefactor of man, will soon be finished.  A propos, Herr told me that he had written to you by the last post.  Addio!  I was lately obliged to direct the opera with some violins at Wendling’s, Schweitzer being unwell.

86.

Mannheim, Dec. 20, 1777.