During the course of his tour, the young Mozart had met one of his important influences, Johann Christian Bach. They had befriended one another in London in the year of 1764 and 1765. The friendship between Bach and Wolfgang was so important to the future of Mozart’s music it was incredible. J.C. Bach would sit little Wolfgang on top of his lap and would play for hours on end on the organ. J.C. Bach’s music greatly influenced Mozart to write his compositions as symphonies and piano concertos, and even embraced some of J.C. Bach’s sound into his own music.
After the four years on tour, the family returned to Salzburg. Even though Leopold’s agenda wasn’t achieved, the tour was otherwise a success. The news of a boy genius was spread to the ears of substantial people such as Marie Antoinette to Fredrick William II of Prussia. The tour had been a success artistically; young Mozart had composed both his first symphony and opera at the ages of eight and eleven respectively. Clearly Wolfgang’s father played an important role in his son’s development as a power of one. The exposure to different cultures and musical styles, as well as providing early career guidance and tutoring greatly developed young Wolfgang’s talent. Bach influenced his music style and encouraged Mozart to compose his work into symphonies and piano concertos. Therefore, one could say that without this early direction, Mozart may not have become the great cultural influence as he is seen today.
Upon Mozart’s return he composed two operas, La Finta Semplice and Bastien and Bastienne. The family traveled briefly to Italy to expose his new works in 1769. In Rome during 1769, Mozart preformed a nine-part Miserere by Antonio Allegri. This piece of music could only be heard in Rome during the Holy Week and could only be preformed by the Papal Choir. Any attempt to copy the Misererecould have the result of being excommunicated. The brilliance of Mozart had shown some if it’s true potential, he simply heard the piece once and reproduced the entire work on paper. Mozart had been especially pleased with himself, “What a delight this I cannot tell! All this inventing, this producing takes place in pleasure, lively dream” (Kroll 1). When the Pope had heard of this amazing news, he praised Wolfgang instead of excommunicating him. A few months later Mozart was awarded the Order of the Golden Spur at the age of only thirteen. The Order of the Golden Spur was awarded to those who preformed outstanding acts to spread the Catholic Faith, or who have contributed to the glory of the Church, either artistically or by feat of arms. Wolfgang Amadeus did indeed achieve, and this effect upon him was incredible. The power of the church had an immense effect upon how his music had turned out. The music he composed in the next few years was mostly