Last words

On May 31, 1809 after an attack of the French army on Vienna Joseph Haydn died. His last words were addressed to his servants. As there were cannon shots in the neighborhood, Haydn said to them, they may cool down.

God-fearing

When he stuck in his composing Haydn took the rosary and prayed. After completion of a composition he wrote sentences as "Laus deo" (To God's glory) under the manuscript.

Ugly

Haydn had survived the smallpox, but his face was scattered with many scars. Nevertheless the women in London loved him. Portrait-painters painted his face more beautiful. Therefore Haydn-portraits are quite very different each from another.

Dismissal

When prince Esterhazy was thinking on the dissolution of the orchestra, Haydn performed the "Abschiedssinfonie" ("Dismissal symphony"). During the performance one after another musician after the other turned out his candle and went out until Haydn directed alone. He also went off shortly after the last musician has left the room. Esterhazy understood and did not dissolve the orchestra.

Concert sleeper

In London it was usual that a concert was enjoyed after dinner. Some guests came not for musical interest but followed social obligations. So it was not unusual that concert visitors fell asleep during the performance. Haydn composed the "Sinfonie mit dem Paukenschlag" ("symphony with the beat of the drum"), where after eight pianissimo clocks there was a loud beat of the drum. Some roused from sleep.

Museum

In Eisenstadt there is a museum in the Haydn house in Joseph Haydn-Gasse 19 - 21 in Eisenstadt.

Institute

In Cologne 1955 a Joseph Haydn-Institut was founded. The goal is a total catalogue of Haydn's works and microfilming of originals as well as a documentation of Haydn's of life.

Home - Vienna - Photos - Music - Traveltips - Tours - Boattrip - Coffeehouse - Heuriger/Wine - Links - Search - About