HAYDN WENT TOLONDON

Radio Record, 22 July 1938, Page 19

HAYDN WENT TOLONDON

SOCIAL AND MUSICAL SUCCESS IN THE METROPOLIS :

N his two visits to London, 1791 and 1794, the old master, Haydn, had a strenuous time. Among the works he composed while there were twelve symphonies, six being completed and performed during each visit. On the second excursion he thought of taking Beethoven with him as a companion, but either Beethoven was too proud to go or Haydn thought Johann Hissler, his faithful copyist, would be more useful to him. Haydn was growing old and needed such a companion to help him through the arduous work that faced him in London. Lucrative though these engagements were, they left him "tired out and exhausted." On this visit, which lasted from January, 1794, to August, 1795, he wrote his last.six symphonies. Among these was | Symphony in G (The "Military’"), which owes its name to the use in the orchestra of a rather larger array of the noisy instruments than was usual in Haydn’s day. The big drum, cymbals and triangle, are all energetically employed. The "Military" Symphony had its first performance in London, and Haydn’s success, depending now less upon the novelty of his presence, was more profound than ever. The Court did him more honour than _ before he was officially invited to make his home in England. Haydn relates how the Prince of _ Wales-afterward George IV (who was a fair performer on the ’cello) gave him an invitation and charmed him *’ With his kindness. "He is. the hand- .. somest man on God’s earth," reported

Haydn. "He has an extraordinary love of music, and a great deal. of feeling, but very little money." Haydn was touched by the beauty of ‘English women-two especially.- Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Hodges quite swept him off his feet. The first, he said, was "the

most beautiful woman.I ever.saw," and the second wag "the loveliest,- ditto." Such were the beauties of London. of the gay 1790's. ‘Baydn’s "Military" Symptiony will be played.at IYA by the’ Auck‘land Municipal Band under. Mr. 'T.. J. O'Connor on Thursday, July 28.