Haydn's music is in no way neglected or forgotten but I wonder if, because he lived a long life, during which he achieved significant success and seemed free of personality disorders, he is a little taken for granted. The creative artist dying at the height of his or her powers, or never recognised in their lifetime, or plagued by psychosis all seem to have an extra attraction for us. And Haydn was born a couple of generations before the 'artist as hero' cult began to emerge. For most of his working life he was 'artist as employee' or 'artist as courtier'. This episode includes sections from his early efforts with the string quartet, the symphony, opera and sacred music. Early but in no way juvenile. In fact surprisingly developed, mature and confident.
