At the half-way stage in our fundraising campaign for the Haydn plaque, we are thrilled to have received a message of support from Sir Mark Elder. He says:

Sir Mark Elder

“Haydn was an extraordinary composer. His contribution to symphonic and choral music was exceptional, not only in his development of the form but also because of his influence on other composers. His two visits to London gave him a new creative lease of life and he wrote some of his greatest music for this city. I am delighted that Haydn’s presence in London will at last be commemorated with a plaque, and I wish the Haydn Society every success with the campaign.”

To hear Sir Mark talking more about Haydn’s work, have a look at this BBC documentary from 2011, “Genesis and Genius“.

As one of this country’s most respected musical figures his enthusiasm for Haydn’s music and the project is very welcome and carries significant weight.

We have also been encouraged by comments from all sorts of other people on social media, sharing why Haydn and his music still matter to them. One added at the end of a conversation:

“[it’s] the least I can do for my favourite composer, and the donation represents only the tiniest fraction of the gratitude I have for what his works have meant for me during my life time.”

It makes us feel quite dewy-eyed to realise how many people out there really love Haydn! It’s also nice to feel that what we’re doing is appreciated. At the time of writing we have just received our 100th pledge via Kickstarter – we’d love to think there could be 100 more.

Today we are hugely excited to be launching our crowdfunding campaign for a plaque to Haydn in London. There is, currently, no memorial dedicated to Haydn in London – but now we have a chance to rectify this. There is more information about the history on this dedicated page; if you want to take part in putting up this landmark then visit the Kickstarter page where you will be able to contribute and learn more with this introductory video:

Given that Joseph Haydn is often referred to as ‘Papa’, it would come as no surprise to learn that his music has often been a source of interest for children. His good humour hopscotches across age gaps: one can certainly imagine adults and children alike responding to the ‘Surprises’ or ‘Toys’ of the symphonies so-named, as well as to the programmatic music that brings the menagerie of The Creation to life.

Yesterday we chanced upon an old copy of the Ladybird book Lives of the Great Composers (Book 2). Published in 1972, the slim volume covers Handel, Haydn and Schubert. Alongside Ian Woodward ‘s potted outline of their life and works there is space for some of the more colourful events in their lives. All are illustrated by the inimitable Martin Aitchison. Aitchison’s picture of Haydn shows a scene in London in front of St Paul’s Cathedral (which Haydn certainly visited in 1792). holding a copy of ‘The LONDON Symphony’ under his arm, he throws a knowing glance at the artist – and in turn an attractive young woman in the background throws a glance over at him. Even a gentleman in a passing carriage is moved to try and catch a glimpse of the celebrated composer.

Haydn’s life and work has also inspired American publications. Two examples we have come across recently include Thomas Tapper’s primer ‘Child’s Own Book of Great Musicians: Haydn’, originally published by Theodore Presser & Co. and the more recently created I, Papa Haydn by Janice and Tom Shelfman (right). You can read more about the Shelfman’s book and the adventure they had in researching it in Eisenstadt via their blog, here.

Of course, with music as the central focus of Haydn’s life, any story would be best served with associated audio. Like the books, videos come in all sorts of editions, from this straightforwardly narrated primer to a charming, up-to-date, stop-motion video which may as well have been done as a bit of fun between mother and daughter. It appears that the legacy of Haydn’s life and music is one that people feel able to share with their young ones to inspire and amuse without condescension, surely tenets of his work at its time of writing.

Photo: hogwood.org

Director of the Haydn Society Denis McCaldin shares his memories of the early music pioneer Christopher Hogwood, who died today at the age of 73.

“With the death of Christopher Hogwood, the Haydn Society has lost one of its most influential members and friends. I was lucky enough to collaborate with him a couple of times. Working with him in any capacity was always a pleasure. He carried his strong intellectual qualities with enviable ease.

Sadly, his project in the 1990s with Decca to record all Haydn’s symphonies was cancelled after 10 of the complete set of 15 CDs had been issued. His decision not to include a harpsichord in the sessions, in spite of his impressive skills as a keyboard player, scandalised the early music world.

For many music lovers however, his decision was strongly vindicated. His basic love of music and his delight in communicating that love through his teaching, broadcasting, writing and performing was refreshingly natural. He will be much missed by the Society.”