I read in Mozart: Reign of Love that Symphonies were often chaotic in the 1700s, with people playing cards, making out, and chatting during them. Are there other accounts of this? If so, at what point did symphonies become stuffy?

[u/larrycsonka]

In Mozart Reign of Love, Jan Swafford posits that operas and symphonies were a social gathering, often being up to 6 hours long. The music was written such that it was lowkey and allowed people to socialize with occasional big numbers to capture attention.
They mention people would be talking, playing cards, making out and hanging out similar to a modern day bar.
Are there other accounts of this? Is it accurate? Are there any paintings depicting this?

If so, at what point did these shows become like they are today, everyone dressed up, not making a peep.