OUR FAVOURITE COMPOSERS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9386, 12 March 1898, Page 2

OUR FAVOURITE COMPOSERS.

No. S, Haydn. (1732-1809.)

(By Walter Impett.)

More than a century and a half has slipped away into oblivion since the subject of our present sketch first saw tho light in the cottage of a humble Austrian wheelwright. One of a family of twelve, and not bor in the lap of luxury at that, it is no matter of surprise for us to team that the youthful Haydn pursued his studies under more or less fortuitous circumstances. Still notwithstanding the manifold disadvantageß under which he laboured, the inherent talent must find a footing at last. At eight years of ape bis voice received a hearing by the musical director of St. Stephen's Cathedral at Vienna. This dignitary was so enraptured with the boy's vocal efforts that he removed him to the Austrian capital. Haydn here remained for a considerable, time singing in the Cathedral and the Imperial Chapel. But although the young musician received a fair practical training, the theoretical side of his nature was left to struggle for itself; the chapel master for reasons best known to himself, giving the youth no assistance in bis embryo efforts at composition, and even treating tbe lad harshly. At last the chorister's voice broke and seizing upon some pretext for discontent, tho director banished Haydn from the cathedral's precincts. For some time after this Haydn led a very precarious life, sometimes as a chorister, and sometimes as a performer in . a street orchestra. Whilst employed in the latter capicity, the band of which Haydn was a member one day chanced to play beneath the window of a well-known actor named Kurz. The composition was one of Haydn's own, and so delighted with it was the dramatic devotee that he ran out to the serenaders to enquire whose music it was that was being performed. The surprise at being introduced to a 'shabby youth of 17 may well be imagined, but so convinced was he of Haydn's ability, that hejnvited him to his rooms, and more than that, giving him the libretto of an opera entitled ' The Devil on two Sticks,' to set to music. As the subject was one requiring some very dramatic musical setting, Haydn was engaged upon it for sqme time, but eventually ifc wag completed, andremuneration awaited him in the shape of 130 florins. But in theory -the young composer's efforts were not yet perfection, for for study had not been fraughUwth^nn abundance of money. Recognising this Haydn purchased what theoretical treatises he could .procure, with the result the time he haaattatned the .quartette was' written ,W)f this class "of .'composition Hadyn hL composed some 77 numbers. SoBJe of these are of .coarse spmewiiaj/c ru de in form. j> e '"g jyrittgt^^hen ' he was still comparatively young in theoretical experience.

In 1759 Haydn wrote his first symphony, having obtained the position of director and fcomposer to Count Morzin, an enthusiastic music lover, who engaged constantly an orchestra for his own delectation. Shortly after taking up the duties which were connected with his new appointment, Haydn married. The object of the composers choice, however, proved to be bis very antipodes artistically, religiously, and in general temperament. This being so, it is no matter of surprise for us to know that Haydn was glad to separate himself from his unworthy spouse, at the same time making her a liberal allowance.

In 1 79 1 he entered the service of the well-known Esterhazy family. The-position of com poser and director was here maintained until 1790 when Prince Nicholas died. His successor, whose tastes were less musical, pensioned Haydn off. Being now free to travel, the composer turned his attention towards that El Dorado of all musicians — England. One, Salomon was conducting concerts at the Hanover Square Rooms, London, and had long been desirous of securing Haydn's services for symphony. Now was tho opportunity for acceding to these requests, and Haydn accordingly, quitted continental shores, crossing the channel on New Tear's Day 1791. His welcome in London was most cordial, the composer being honoured and feted on all sides. Salomon's concerts were a huge success, and at Haydn's first benefit the receipts were some £350. So satisfactory did things appear, that the mastor was prevailed upon to remain in London for another season which he did until June 1792.

On his return to the Austrian capital, Hadyn's welcome was most enthusiastic. The beauties of his now symphonies bad been heard of, and all were anxious to listen to their charms. The composer forth with arranged for a season, and for some time made Vienna the centre of hia operations. A return visit to London was now arranged, and Haydn once more- turned his face towards British Bhores, and after conducting the remainder of his twelve grand symphonies," took his farewell benefit and returned home.

The number of Haydn's symphonies total 125. Thoeo composed for the London concerts must, however, take highest rank.

At a recent concert given by the "Wanganni Orchestral Club, part of the renowned • Surprise ' Symphony, was performed; that portion, however, [being omitted, which as Haydn puts it, should 'make ze laties schump.' Other symphonies in the possession of our local society include ' The Queen,' • The Clock,' •The Military,' and the ' 52nd.' All of the above are favourites, and no doubt we shall have the pleasure of listening to a fair proportion of them during' the forthcoming concert season. Among other symphonies we might mention 'The Farewell, 1 and 'The Toy.'

We are indebted to Haydn for that sublime Austrian hymn ' God Preserve the Emperor,' composedat a time when tbeFrencbßevolution was making its baneful effects felt over Europe. As a nation's song « God Preserve the Emperor ' must take first place, causing our own 'God save tbe Queen ' to assume puny musical proportions indeed.

Only two oratorios are recorded against Baydn's name, these beinj; the immortal ' Creation ' and 'The Seaaons.' Tbe success of the first, mentioned was instantaneous «iin ever siucehas proved a strong rival to Handel's masterpiece 'The Messiah.' Equally as successful for a time was 'The Seasons,' but it is not often performed now.

The pianist has not been forgotten by Haydn, who wrote abundantly for the keyed instrument. His sonatas, many of them very fine indeed are some 57 m number, while his piano trios total 38. The latter are not often heard. Whilst enumerating his manifold compositions omission must not be made of his fine macses. These total 14, and many are used in the Catholic Church te-day. As a composer of opera. Haydn can scarcely be considered a success, although he has written sometwentytwo of these.

Iv summing up Haydn'a life-work, his symphonio creations must stand first. The modern orchestra owec him much, and the title of ' the father of symphony,' which has been given to him, is not withont its good reason. His best efforts date from his English experience, when he had the opportunity of hearing and dealing with larger musical bodies than he had hitherto done. HaudeFs music also proved a great source of musical strength to him. Prior to hia death, Haydn re-entered the service of the Esterhazy'n, contributing during his remaining years many compositions for the family benefit.

The year 1809 found Napoleon and his army outside the walls of Vienna, and very soon the bombardment of the capital was commenced. It is not therefore to be wondered at that the excitement caused to the populace by the hurtling shells should havo commnnicated itself to the aged composer. The shock to his already somewhat shattered system proved too much, and in May of that year, Haydn's earthly career closed at the ripe age of seventy-seven years. At the graveside national differences were for a moment merged into a spirit o concord ; French and Austrian standing round to pay a last flitting tribute of respect to the deceased musician.

Notf: — The subject of our next sketch will be Johann Sebastian Bach.