Haydn: A Creative Life in Music

by Karl Geiringer

Studies the life and career of the Austrian composer, providing a critical analysis of his contributions to the music world.

Genres: Music, Biography

403 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Doria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable biography of perhaps the most endearingly appealing composer who ever lived. Whether you venerate his music, or simply hold him in esteem for his noteworthy contribution to western classical music, there is no denying that Haydn was a sweet and affable soul, a true friend in need and deed, with an abiding and adorable penchant for mischief. This book provided a nicely detailed description of his life and travels, his love affairs, his moving loyalty towards his dear friend Mozart, and his cautiously baffled relationship with his pupil, Beethoven. Separate from the biographical portion is a large and useful section devoted to in depth descriptions of a number of his more important works in a variety of genres.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful biography if you like Haydn's music. Interesting to read about his relationships to Mozart and Beethoven, and the effects of Handel's life and music in Haydn's later life. His love life is also quite interesting.

[Alex Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful in its information, workmanlike in its prose - perhaps no more fitting biography of Haydn could have ever been written. (I jest, but only slightly.)

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sorry I couldn't give this book a higher rating. It's well researched and lovingly written. The authors obviously know and care a lot about Haydn and his music.

The problem is the book's format. We read about 200 pages worth of biography, which is pretty good, followed by 180 more pages describing Haydn's pieces one by one -- which, considering the sheer number of pieces he wrote, means that each piece gets a paragraph or so. There's no way around it: this is a terrible way to read about music. If you don't know the pieces, then reading single-paragraph descriptions of them isn't going to bring you any closer to knowing them. And if you do, then reading single-paragraph descriptions of them isn't really a very good use of your time.

I'm aware that the authors didn't invent this format, that for some reason there's a demand for books like this. I, however, am not one of the people who demands them. So, three stars for the biographical half of the book.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a fascinating life and what an awesome talent