This trend changed when Haydn received a very
lucrative and significant commission from the Concert de la Loge Olympique in Paris
for six new symphonies in 1784-5.[4]
These symphonies, called the “Paris Symphonies,” reached extraordinary musical
depths for Haydn while securing his status as one of the most important
composers in the Western world. His status and fame caused him to stray
considerably more from the Esterháza estate, and Haydn often stayed in Vienna
for extended periods. He developed friendships with Mozart and other Viennese
composers and had a close relationship with the Viennese noble Marianne von Genzinger.
His trips away from Esterháza allowed Haydn to see a warm lifestyle quite
unlike his own as a servant of Prince Nikolaus. Nikolaus never treated Haydn
poorly; on the contrary, Nikolaus greatly respected Haydn’s work. However,
Haydn’s imagination and creativity needed an outlet beyond the bounds of a
single household’s court. When Prince Nikolaus died in 1790, his successor
Prince Anton (who did not share Nikolaus’ love of music) disbanded the court
orchestra and retained only the title and salary of Haydn’s Kapellmeister
position. Haydn was at last free to travel as he wished.
Almost immediately, the German-born violinist J.
P. Salomon offered Haydn a contract to compose an opera, six symphonies, and 20
other pieces in London with excellent pay.[5]
Haydn accepted and traveled to London with Salomon, reaching London in 1791.
The incredible new sights, sounds, and adventures that Haydn experienced during
his residency in London inspired him musically and jolted him out of the
melancholic feelings of his last years under Prince Nikolaus. Haydn himself
wrote to Marianne von Genzinger that he was “occupied in looking at this mighty
and vast town of London, its various beauties and marvels causing me the most
profound astonishment.”[6]
According to Karl Geiringer, Haydn was “filled with insatiable curiosity
regarding all aspects of English life.”[7]
Haydn’s diary is filled with accounts of his interest in the great size and
bustling nature of the immense city of London. At the same time, people across England
were likewise fascinated with Haydn. He also wrote to Marianne von Genzinger
that, “Everyone wants to know me. I had to dine out six times up to now, and if
I wanted, I could have an invitation every day.”[8]
He enjoyed tremendous popularity during his stay there, and the English
newspapers constantly praised the concerts that Salomon presented of Haydn’s
music. The symphonies premiered during this visit to London were Nos. 93-98.
They reach an even higher echelon of symphonic music, with a brilliant balance
of rhythm, melody, and excitement. According to reviews and reports of the
Salomon-sponsored concerts, Haydn’s compositions were immense successes with
the English public.[9]
