In an article which appeared shortly after the UK went into lockdown, The Telegraph’s Ivan Hewett wrote: “Who is the classical composer who can best help us through this crisis? Step forward, Joseph Haydn. In the two centuries since his death, Haydn has more often been belittled than praised. Wagner thought he was born senile, John Keats said Haydn was basically a child because “you never know what he will do next”. For most people, he’s an also-ran to Mozart, sharing the same language, without the erotic passion. But now is the time when Hayden’s special qualities come into their own … “
Paavo Järvi couldn’t agree more. His latest project with The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie has enabled him to dig deep into Haydn’s London symphonies and the revelations of this immersive project have given him much food for thought.
Join Paavo Järvi live on the virtual arts education platform, CultureNet for a discussion in re-evaluating the music of Joseph Haydn: Saturday 23 May at 3pm EDT (8pm London time / 9pm Berlin time). All Q&As can also be viewed on Paavo Järvi’s YouTube Channel.