The 5th day of the month of January 1771, Convocation of the Hon. Philharmonic Academy of Verona, in the usual Place, in the presence of the Worshipful Members.
The Noble Count Murari Brà, Governor, stated that it was an ancient principle of this Academy to promote the honour of virtuosi in order that their distinguished Qualities might lend ever greater lustre and dignity to the said Academy; wherefore, note having been taken of the remarkable gifts possessed by the wonderful youth Sig. Amadeo Wolfgango Mozart of Salzburg, Concert Master to His Rev. Highness the Archbishop and Prince of Salzburg, Knight of the Golden Spur, decorated by the Reigning Supreme Pontiff, who deigned to hear him and to applaud the merits of this Youth. He may truly pride himself as one of the most admirable prodigies in the profession of Music, which this city of Verona can also affirm, in that during the few days he spent here he gave, on several occasions, such proofs of his skill at playing the most difficult things at sight on the harpsichord with great readiness and elegance ; setting on the spot certain poetical passages that were shown him to very fine concerted music for several instruments, to the amazement of those most versed in the said Art. Apart from which this our Academy can also offer the most truly sincere acknowledgments of the incomparable merit of this Youth, who in January of last year in the Hall of the Academy, in the presence of Ladies, Gentlemen and Public Representatives, miraculously overcame the greatest Musical Tests with complete mastery and to the astonishment of all this Noble Gathering. And this in addition to the multitudinous notices received from many parts of Italy, where this expert person has performed to the Principal Professors and lovers of Music, earning praise and applause from all: in short, his fair Talent promises ever further outstanding progress, apt to strike all those destined to hear him in future; since at so early an age his keen-witted Genius has succeeded, and will in the sequel succeed, in reaching such a degree of knowledge as, in its progress, shall surpass those who most excel in Music.
It would therefore be to the great advantage of our Academy, which has always and everywhere had the most signal and distinctive reputation in Music, Poetry and Belles-Lettres, that this famous Youth should be enrolled as Maestro di Capela by the aforesaid Philharmonic Academy; in the hope that this token of esteem will be accepted by him.
This worthy proposal having been submitted to the Academy and discussed with learned eloquence, it was unanimously acclaimed by the Academicians, and the Young Virtuoso Sig. Amadeo Wolfgango Mozart was consequently enrolled as Maestro di Capela of the Honble Philharmonic Academy of Verona.
The Philharmonic Academicians
Dr. Antonio Tommasi, Secy