Miennham, eht ht5 rebotoc, 7771.



73.

Mannheim, Nov. 8, 1777.

This forenoon, at Herr Cannabich's, I wrote the Rondo of the
sonata for his daughter; so they would not let me leave them all
day. The Elector and the Electress, and the whole court, are very
much pleased with me. Both times I played at the concert, the
Elector and she stood close beside me at the piano. After the
music was at an end, Cannabich managed that I should be noticed
by the court. I kissed the Elector's hand, who said, "I think it
is now fifteen years since you were here?" "Yes, your Highness,
it is fifteen years since I had that honor." "You play
inimitably." The Princess, when I kissed her hand, said,
"Monsieur, je vous assure, on ne peut pas jouer mieux."

Yesterday I went with Cannabich to pay the visit mamma already
wrote to you about [to Duke Carl Theodor's children], and there I
conversed with the Elector as if he had been some kind friend. He
is a most gracious and good Prince. He said to me, "I hear you
wrote an opera at Munich" ["La finta Giardiniera"]? "Yes, your
Highness, and, with your gracious permission, my most anxious
wish is to write an opera here; I entreat you will not quite
forget me. I could also write a German one, God be praised!" said
I, smiling. "That may easily be arranged." He has one son and