end: for the composer, that he may express himself clearly and
convincingly, and for the listener, that he may readily receive the
message set forth. In Haydn’s music we find the expression of a
real personality—though of an artless, child-like type, without
great depth of emotion or the tragic intensity of a Beethoven.
Haydn was not a philosopher, or a man of broad vision. During
his epoch, artists hardly dared to be introspective. His imagi-
nation gave birth to music, simple though it was, as freely as
the earth puts forth flowers; but, although he wore a wig, he
had a heart which was in good working operation even in his
sixty-fourth year when, during his London visit, he fell in love
with a charming widow, Madame Schroeter, whom he would
have married had not his wife been still alive.
[Footnote 114: In many cases Haydn’s second theme is merely
a varied version of the first.]
We should acquire the catholic taste to enjoy every composer
for what he really was and not criticise him for what he was
not—a state which would imply necessarily different conditions.
In criticism there is no worse error, or one more often made,
than that of blaming Haydn because he was not Beethoven; or,
in our times, Tchaikowsky because his music does not resemble
that of Brahms. Blasé pedants often call Haydn’s music “tame”;
we might as well apply that adjective to the antics of a sportive
kitten. As for the “amiable prattle” of his style we do not speak
in a derogatory way of the fresh, innocent voices of children,
though we need not listen to them continually. Haydn, in short,
is Haydn,[115] and the vitality and sincerity of his works will
always keep them immortal. In these feverish days we may dwell
upon the simplicity of “Papa Haydn,” as he was affectionately
called; who would kneel down before beginning work, and who
inscribed his scores “In nomine Domini.” His modest estimate
of his own powers cannot fail to touch our hearts. “I know,” he
said, “that God has bestowed a talent upon me, and I thank
him for it. I think I have done my duty, and been of use in my
generation by my works; let others do the same.”
[Footnote 115: Haydn’s life is of great interest in showing the
traits which are reflected in his music. Everyone should read
the biography in Grove’s Dictionary, Vol. II, p. 348, and the
excellent life by M. Brenet inLes Maîtres de la Musique.]
We shall now make a few comments on the illustrations in the