1781. February 15. The name of C. G. Neefe is now met with for the first time. He petitions for appointment to the position of organist in succession to Van den Eede, obviously aged and infirm. A decree was issued “_placet et expediatur_ on the death of Organist Van den Eede,” and a salary of 400 fl. granted. 1782. May 16. Johann van Beethoven petitions for “the three measures (_Malter_) of corn.” The archives of Düsseldorf furnish little more during the time of Max Frederick save certain papers relating to the Beethoven family, which are reserved for another place. OPERA AT THE ELECTOR’S COURT The search for means to form some correct idea of the character of the musical performances at the Elector’s court during this reign has been more successful than for the preceding; but much is left to be desired down to the year 1778, when the theatre was placed upon a different basis and its history is sufficiently recorded. Such notices, however, in relation to the operatic entertainments as have been found scattered, mostly in the newspapers of Bonn, in those years, are numerous enough to give an idea of their character; while the remarks upon the festivities of the court, connected with them, afford a pretty lively picture of social amusement in the highest circle. We make room for some of the most significant occurrences, in chronological order: 1764. January 3. Galuppi’s opera “Il Filosofo di Campagna,” given in the Electoral Theatre with great applause. January 8. A grand assembly at the palace in the afternoon, a magnificent supper in the grand gallery at which many spectators were present, and finally a masked ball. March 23. Second performance of “La buona Figliuola,” music by Piccini. May 13. Elector’s birthday; “Le Nozze,” music by Galuppi, and two ballets. May 20. “II Filosofo” again, the notice of which is followed by the remark that the Elector is about removing to Brühl for the summer but will visit Bonn twice a week “on the days when operas are performed.” September 21. “La Pastorella al Soglio” (composer not named, probably Latilla), and two ballets. December 16. “La Calamità di cuori,” by Galuppi, and two ballets. This was “the first performance by the Mingotti company under the direction of Rizzi and Romanini.” 1765. January 6. “Le Aventure di Rodolfo” (Piccini?), given by the same company together with a pantomime, “L’Arlequino fortunato per la Maggia.” After the play there was a grand supper at which the Pope’s nuncio was a guest, and finally a masked ball kept up till 6 o’clock in the morning.