After the return of the family to Salzburg Mozart was in 1769 appointed concertmeister, and a performance of La Finta Simplice' was then arranged. He next composed two masses, and the Johannes Offertorium for a priest in the monastery at Seeon. Preparations were now made for a tour of Italy, the family arriving at Milan at the end of January 1770. While in Rome he visited the Sistine Chapel to hear Al legri's (Miserere.) On his return he wrote down the entire work from memory, a feat which did much to spread his fame abroad. They next visited Naples where his concerts were brilliantly attended. In Bologna he was honored by election to the 'Accademia dei Filar monicci,) his test piece being an antiphon for four voices, which he composed in about half an hour.
His first opera gitittidate Re di Ponto' was composed and_produced in Milan, where-it was performed 20 times. In Padua, on his way home, Mozart was commissioned to compose an oratorio, perhaps
stance Weber his wife.
Mozart's marriage seems to have brought with it a succession of difficulties. Constance was a poor manager and Mozart was as yet without any fixed appointment. He gave a series of subscription concerts which were well attended, and during six weeks played at 17 concerts besides five of his own arranging. In July 1783 he took his wife to Salsburg to pre sent her to his father, and in August produced a mass in the Peters Kirche, which he had composed in honor of his wife, who sang the soprano part on that occasion. During the lat ter part of 1785 Mozart was engaged on one of his masterpieces, an opera based on Beaumar chais' comedy entitled 'Le Mariage de The first public performance of the opera ('Le Nozze de Figaro') took place on 1 May 1786, and the triumph of the composer was complete. In 1785 Mozart wrote 'Davidde Penitente> for the Society of Musicians and some music for the was' piece 'Der Schauspiel-Direktoe was also produced. In 1787 Mozart and his wife visited Prague in response to an invita tion from Count Thun. Here it was decided that he should compose another opera, which he did for the small sum of 100 ducats. Won Giovanni' was the result and its first perform ance was given on 29 Oct. 1787. Returning to Vienna in November, he was appointed Kam mer-compositor with a salary of 800 gulden.
The year 1788 was a very busy one for Mo an r.
In six weeks he wrote his three last and finest symphonies (in C, E fiat and G minor), as well as several pieces for the piano, arranged five fugues from Bach's 'VVohl-temperirte Clavier' for string quartette, and added wind parts to Handel's 'Acis and Galatea,' 'Mes siah,' 'Ode to St. Cecilia's Day) and 'Alexan der's Feast.) In 1789 Mozart was offered the post of kapellmeister at the Prussian court. The salary was 3,000 thalers, but in spite of the comforts which this comparatively large in come would have insured, Mozart declined rather than forsake his "good Kaiser.° Arriv ing in Vienna on 4 June, and being in much trouble, partly on account of his wife's con stant illness, he informed the emperor of the offer of the King of Prussia, and tendered his resignation. The emperor exclaimed: "What, Mozart, are you going to leave me?° Mozart replied, "Majesty, I throw myself upon your kindness—I remain." The emperor then or dered him to compose a new opera, which un der the title 'Cosi fan tutte,' was produced on 26 Jan. 1790.
During the last year of Mozart's life, as already stated, he composed three of his great est works, two of which must be always reck oned among the highest of musical creations, namely, the opera 'Die Zauberflote) and the 'Requiem,' which latter he was commissioned to compose under very mysterious circum stances. Mozart's health had now become much impaired and he was greatly depressed. He be lieved that he was writing this 'Requiem) for himself. The third notable composition of this year was the opera 'La Clemenza di Titcyl composed for the coronation of Leopold II a Prague, which took place 6 September, the opera being performed on the same evening. His recent exertions and excitement proved too much, however, for his remaining strength, and on 5 Dec. 1791, he died of malignant typhus fever. He was buried in a pauper's grave in the churchyard of Saint Marx.