This was the first professional
expedition of any consequence in which he had engaged since his
settlement in Vienna; it was prosecuted under the most favourable
auspices, and with glowing anticipations of that pleasure for
which he so ardently longed, but so imperfectly realized at
home-the entire sympathy of the public. Nor was he disappointed.
On the same evening that he alighted at the castle of his noble
entertainer, his opera of 'Figaro' was given at the theatre, and
Mozart found himself for the first time in the midst of that
Bohemian audience of whose enthusiasm and taste he had heard so
much. The news of his presence in the theatre quickly ran through
the parterre, and the overture was no sooner ended than the whole
audience rose and gave him a general acclamation of welcome,
amidst deafening salvos of applause.