is eyes toward Italy. That
country was the home of the arts, and each city had its band of citizens
who were as devoted to music as they were to poetry and the stage.

Fortunately at about the same time an invitation came from the Empress
Maria Theresa inviting the young musician to compose a dramatic serenade
in honor of the wedding of the Archduke Ferdinand in Milan. It was a
great compliment to pay so young a man, and Mozart gladly accepted.

Going to Milan, he set to work on the composition. In contrast to the
way in which he had lately been treated in Austria he found every one in
Milan eager to be of help. The singers liked the music, and did their
best with it. When the serenade was finally publicly given it made a
great impression. The Archduke was delighted with it. For days afterward
Mozart was kept busy receiving callers who wished to offer their
congratulations. The Italians proved that they at least were not
unwilling to admit his greatness.

Great honors had come to the young composer of Salzburg, but very little
money. Most musicians of that time were simply music-masters or
choirmasters at the different courts. Their support depended almost
entirely upon finding some prince who would keep them at his court.
Mozart cast his eyes over Europe and saw no place that offered him much
promise. The world was willing enough to shower its praises on him, but
not to provide him with his daily bread.

There was no place open in Italy, and so, although with regret, he had
to turn homeward to Salzburg. Unfortunately a new Archbishop had just
been elected for that city, and he was devoted almost entirely to
hunting and sports, cared nothing for music, and could not understand
why young Mozart was entitled to any special favors from him.

Under such circumstances Mozart could not stay at home; he had to accept
such chances as were offered him to make a living. Being asked to write
an opera bouffe for the carnival at Munich, he agreed, and again met
with success. The night the opera was given the theatre was so crowded
that hundreds had to be turned away at the doors. At the close of each
air there was a tremendous outburst of applause, and calls for the
composer. Afterward Mozart was presented to the whole court of Munich,
and received their thanks for the great honor he had done them.

Singularly enough the Archbishop of Salzburg happened to be in Munich at
the same time, and was very much surprised at being congr