Joseph Haydn

"Haydn is, together with Schumann, probably the most neglected and misunderstood of the greatest composers. Some might argue with this statement by saying that Haydn's works are frequently performed and that he has long been recognised as the father figure of Viennese Classicism. Papa Haydn has become one of the worst clichés in classical music. It degrades one of history's most innovative composers into a lovable but minor figure."

"Ich sage ihnen vor Gott, als ein ehrlicher Mann, ihr Sohn ist der größte Componist, den ich von Person und den Nahmen nach kenne: er hat geschmack, und über das die größte Compositionswissenschaft."

"If I could only impress on the soul of every friend of music, and on high personages in particular, how inimitable are Mozart's works, how profound, how musically intelligent, how extraordinarily sensitive! (for this is how I understand them, how I feel them) — why then the nations would vie with each other to possess such a jewel within their frontiers. Prague should hold him fast — but should reward him, too: for without this, the history of great geniuses is sad indeed, and gives but little encouragement to posterity to further exertions; and unfortunately this is why so many promising intellects fall by the wayside."

"Dear Haydn, how I love you! But other pianists? They're rather lukewarm towards you. Which is a great shame."

"Give Him thanks, all ye His works so wondrous! Sing His honor, sing His glory, bless and magnify His Name! Jehovah’s praise endures forevermore, Amen, Amen!."

"meine Sprache versteht man durch die ganze Welt, [...]!"

"Durch den wahren Vortrag muß der Meister sein Recht behaupten."

"Uebersende hiermit die ersten 12 Lieder [für das Clavier, Hob.XXVIa:1-12 ...] besonders aber bitte ich Euer Hoch Edlen diese Lieder niemanden zuvor abspielten oder singen oder gar aus absicht verhunzen zu lassen, indem ich selbst nach deren Verfertigung dieselbe in den critischen Häusern absingen werde: durch die gegenwart und den wahren Vortrag muß der Meister sein Recht behaupten."