He also forged a friendship and great respect for J.C. Bach, whom he met in London.
Mozart wrote three vocal works during his 1767 stay at Salzburg; a Latin comedy entitled Apollo et Hyacinthus, Grabmusik K42, and a joint effort with two other composers: oratorio Die Schildigkeit des ersten Gebots. Then in September of 1767, Leopold and his children set out for Vienna again.
Upon returning to Salzburg, Mozart secured an opportunity to have his opera La finta semplice performed at court. Around that time, he also composed a mass for a friend (K66), some orchestral serenades, a few short sacred works, and several dancing minuets. He had established himself as a composer and performer in Salzburg, and at the age of thirteen he was appointed as the honorary Concertmaster oat the Salzburg court. .
In December of 1769, Wolfgang and his father left for Italy. They stopped and performed at several places along the way, as they traveled throughout the country. It was during this tour that Mozart received his first opera commission for Mitridate, re di Ponto. It appears that some of the parts that Mozart wrote were removed by the performers, and an earlier version set to the same libretto by Gasparini was substituted. The opera opened in late December and ran successfully for twenty-two performances. .
Mozart returned home to Salzburg with his father having achieved international notoriety. While at home, Mozart continued to compose, and then in August he and Leopold set out for Milan again. When they arrived in Milan, Mozart fulfilled the commission for the serpita Ascanio in Alba with libretto by Parini. Once again young Mozart was greeted by success in Milan. After almost four months, the two returned home again.
One final tour to Milan was made in October of 1772. Mozart had been commissioned to write another opera, this time with the libretto by Giovanni de Gamerra. Locio Sillo was not as well received as his other Milan performances, in large part because of the quality of the performers.
