The Performing Mozart Family

 

"Leopold Mozart to Lorenz Hagenauer, Salzburg

[Extract]

                                                                    COBLENZ, 26 September 1763

    Before leaving Mainz I had to give another concert to the nobles, after which we came to Coblenz[The Mozarts arrived on the 17th in Coblenz, where they spent about ten days.  They stayed at the inn 'Zu den drei Reichskronen'].

    On the 19th and 20th we had the most atrocious rain.  The 21st was an Ember Day, on which I did not want to travel.  But in order that we should not spend our time to no purpose, the few nobles who are here arranged a concert, which was held on the 21st.  It did not bring in much, but it was something, and I had no expenses in connexion with it.  One of the reasons why I did not leave here immediately on the 19th or 20th was that Wolfgang had catarrh or a chill, which by the evening and the night of the 22nd had turned into a proper cold.  So I am obliged to wait for a few days, especially as the weather is so bad.  Thus we shall hardly leave before the 25th or 26th, for I must consider the health of my children before everything else.  Here I met the Baron von Walderndorf and Kopp, a priest who was formerly a steward and is now an Ecclesiastical Commissioner.  The Baron von Walderndorf and the Count von Pergen, Imperial Envoy, took my children by the hand to the Elector[Johann Philipp von Walderdorf, Elector of Trier] and introduced us, so that it was due to them that we were heard immediately on the 18th.  We also received at once a present of ten louis d'or.

    We are a great deal with the family of Baron Kerpen, who is Electoral Privy Councillor and head of the nobility.  He has seven sons and two daughters, nearly all of whom play the clavier and some of whom play the violin and the violoncello and sing.  After this, you will not be surprised if you hear that since we left Salzburg, we have already spent 1068 gulden.  But other people have paid for this expenditure.  Besides, to keep our health and for the reputation of my court[the Archbishop's Court in Salzburg], we must travel 'noblement.'  Moreover we only associate with the nobility and distinguished personages and receive exceptional courtesies and respect" [LETTERS OF MOZART AND HIS FAMILY.  Chronologically arranged, translated and edited by Emily Anderson.  New York: 1966: St Martin's Press, p. 28-29].    

[Background Image:  Historical  View of Koblens and Ehrenbreitstein.]