Chapter I: Introduction

The abridged Life of Haydn, by Dr. Nohl, prepared originally as a contribution to a series of biographies, which is issued in popular form in Germany, is so simple in its narrative, that it would hardly need an introduction, were its subject-matter confined to the record of Haydn’s life, with its many musical triumphs, or to the portraiture of this genial, child-like and lovable master. The trials and troubles of his youth, their intensification in his married life, his marvelous musical progress, his seclusion at Eisenstadt, his visits to London and his introduction to its gay world in his old age, followed by such wonderful musical triumphs, make a story of extraordinary personal interest, which the author has heightened with numerous anecdotes, illustrating his rare sweetness and geniality. There are many discursions, however, in the work, in which Dr. Nohl analyzes the component parts of Haydn’s musical creations, and traces the effect of his predecessors as well as of his cotemporaries upon his development as an artist. To understand these, it must be remembered that the author deals with music from a philosophical standpoint, choosing Schopenhauer for his authority, the philosopher whom Wagner admires so much, and who makes the Will the basis of all phenomena. Applied in a musical sense therefore, music is not a matter of sweet sounds, whether melody or harmony, nor is its principal office the creation of pleasure by these sounds, but it is the chief agent of the Will in giving expression to its impulses. What this theory is, has been stated by Richard Wagner himself in his “Essay on Beethoven,” in the following words: “The mere element of music, as an idea of the world, is not beheld by us, but felt instead, in the depths of consciousness, and we understand that idea to be an immediate revelation of the unity of the Will, which, proceeding from the unity of human nature, incontrovertibly exhibits itself to our consciousness, as unity with universal nature also, which indeed we likewise perceive through sound.” The definition will afford a clue to some of the author’s statements, and may help to make clearer some of his musical analyses. The rest of the work may safely be left to the reader. It is the record of the life not only of a great musician, but of a lovable man, who is known to this day among his own people, though almost a century has elapsed since his death, by the endearing appellation of “Papa.”

G. P. U.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

HIS YOUTH AND EARLY STUDIES.

Haydn’s Birth and Family--His Early Talent--First Studies with
Frankh--Chapel-boy at St. Stephens’--Ruetter’s
Instructions--Early Compositions--His Mischievous Tricks and
Dismissal--Anecdote of Maria Theresa--Acquaintance with
Metastasio--Influence of Philip Emanuel Bach--The Origin of
his First Opera, “The Devil on Two Sticks.” 7-39

CHAPTER II.

AT PRINCE ESTERHAZY’S.

Haydn’s Studies with Porpora--His Italian Operas--Engagement
with Count Von Morzin--His First String Quartet--An
Unfortunate Marriage--Domestic Troubles without
End--Appointment as Capellmeister at Esterhaz--His Orchestra
and Chorus--Rapid Musical Progress--His Most Important
Earlier Compositions--Development of the Quartet--Personal
Characteristics and Anecdotes--The Surprise
Symphony--Influence of his Life at Esterhaz upon his Music. 40-89

CHAPTER III.

THE FIRST LONDON JOURNEY.

A Winter Adventure--The Relations of Mozart and Haydn--Mozart’s
Dedication--The Emperor Joseph’s Opinions--Letters to Frau
Von Genzinger--A Catalogue of Complaints--His Engagement
with Salomon--The London Journey--Scenes on the Way--A
Brilliant Reception--Rivalry of the Professional
Concerts--The Händel Festival--Honors at Oxford--Pleyel’s
Arrival--Royal Honors--His Benefit Concert--Return to
Vienna. 90-135

CHAPTER IV.

THE EMPEROR’S HYMN--THE CREATION AND THE SEASONS.

Criticisms at Home--His Relations to Beethoven--Jealousy of
the Great Mogul--His Second London Journey--The Military
Symphony--His Longings for Home--Great Popularity In
England--Reception by the Royal Family--His Gifts--Return
to Vienna--Origin of the Emperor’s Hymn--The Creation and
the Seasons--Personal Characteristic--His Death--Haydn’s
Place in Music. 136-195

THE LIFE OF HAYDN.