Soon, Mario was made to feel welcome in Parisian salons and in the city's radical milieu. He was especially welcomed at the salon events of Princess Cristina Belgiojoso, where he was appreciated as an amateur tenor. For a time he earned his living by giving fencing and horseriding lessons. Eventually, the Marquis of Brême, who was from a noble Piedmontese family and was one of his father's old friends, became one of Mario's most helpful financial supporters. The marquis also served as mentor to Mario while he transitioned to his musical career.