...when I have written an opera for Naples, I will be in demand everywhere.
Munich, October 3, 1777 (from a letter by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to his father Leopold)
I have decided to go visit our friend Myslivecek at the ducal hospital.
I met him in the garden. He said to me: "Please, go to Italy: there one is esteemed and held in high regard." And he is truly right; if I think about it carefully, in no other country have I received so many honors, in no other place have I enjoyed so much consideration as in Italy; and one gains credit if one has written operas in Italy, and especially for Naples. He tells me that in Italy, where the greatest masters live, they speak of nothing but Mozart; when he is mentioned, no one opens their mouth anymore. He wants to write me a letter of recommendation for Gaetano Santoro, who is an impresario in Naples, and for whom he would allow me to use the best of his latest operas for the next carnival.
But I would like to hear the opinion of the most judicious court maestro di cappella, Mr. von Mozart!
I have an unspeakable desire to write a new opera.
If in the meantime I find no employment, eh bien, I will at least have this resource in Italy. For carnival, I would have my 100 ducats assured; when I have written an opera for Naples, I will be in demand everywhere. And then, as Papa well knows, in spring, summer, and autumn there is always the possibility of writing an Opera buffa somewhere, just to keep oneself in practice and not remain idle. It is true, one does not earn much, but still something; and in this way, one acquires more honor and reputation than with a hundred concerts in Germany. And I would be happier, having something to compose, which is my only joy and passion.
But I am only speaking, I speak as my heart dictates: if Papa, with good arguments, convinces me that I am wrong, well, however reluctantly, I will surrender."
