Haydn and His World

This collection of essays offers a deep dive into Joseph Haydn's life and works, showcasing his impact on classical music. Haydn and His World reveals his artistic journey.

In Haydn and His World, the journey of Joseph Haydn is explored from his beginnings as a local Kapellmeister to his rise as an international musical icon. This collection of essays delves into Haydn's unique ability to craft a musical language that resonated with both connoisseurs and amateurs alike, reflecting the evolving tastes of the emerging musical public during his time. The essays examine various aspects of Haydn's works, revealing the aesthetic and cultural influences that shaped his compositions.

The volume opens with an insightful analysis of Haydn's late oratorios, where James Webster connects the Creation to the concept of the sublime, a term that captures the overwhelming power of artistic experience in the eighteenth century. Leon Botstein contributes by discussing the evolving reception of Haydn's Seasons, particularly in the context of nineteenth-century views on programmatic music. The book further explores Haydn's instrumental music, with contributions from prominent musicologists who highlight the significance of his chamber music and piano sonatas.

Haydn and His World also features a unique exploration of Haydn's operas and their place within the Eszterhaza operatic culture of the 1770s. Additionally, the book includes rare discussions on music and musicians from Haydn's era, translated into English for the first time, and a detailed reconstruction of Haydn's library, illustrating his engagement with contemporary intellectual and artistic trends.