Joseph Haydn (Composer's World) [Hardcover]

Wendy Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1991 | Series: Composer's World

Part of a series of picture books for readers aged twelve and upwards illustrating the lives and times of the world's greatest composers. This book looks at the life and work of Haydn, a life that spanned a period of great political and social, as well as musical change: born when both Bach and Handel were at the height of their fame, he outlived his friend Mozart by 18 years, having seen his greatest pupil Beethoven well-established in his own career. But neither Mozart nor Beethoven could have created their masterpieces - symphonies, string quartets, sonatas - without the example of Haydn. This illustrated biography brings the world of the 18th century vividly to life, and includes extracts from some of Haydn's best-loved works in simple keyboard arrangements.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-12-- Beautifully illustrated titles with period art in full color and black and white on nearly every page. Interspersed are extracts of keyboard arrangements from the subjects' musical compositions. These features combine with wide margins and an attractive layout to create an inviting picture-book format that may tempt young readers, but they will be challenged by the historical references and sophisticated vocabulary. Musical terms are not defined in the text but appear in a glossary. The books contain a lot of information. Essentially chronological biographies, both include discussion of major works as well as the events and cultural milieu that influenced these composers. Thompson's writing is straightforward and sometimes dry, but she includes interesting personal facts that add depth and intrigue; this is particularly true in Schubert , perhaps because his life was so short and rather tragic. A bit surprising is her use of the term ``gay'' instead of ``homosexual'' to describe members of his inner circle of friends. Neither book has an index or table of contents, but students may still find these volumes useful for research. Interested readers will find them attractive and approachable. --Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto, CA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

One more handsome volume in the ``Composer's World'' series (see above), with the same format, rather distanced style, excellent period illustrations, and musical excerpts. Haydn's longer, more orderly life--most of his work was originally done for his wealthy employers, the Esterh zy family (their vast establishment rivaled Versailles), and he actually received a generous pension--makes a fine backdrop for the lives of his Viennese contemporaries; Thompson enlivens it with details like the youthful Haydn's irrepressibility (the Empress Maria Theresa once had him whipped for climbing on a scaffold after she'd warned him not to) and his later triumphs in England. Many of the interesting illustrations are credited only to ``Author's collection''; it would be nice to know more: Are they from old books? From Haydn's lifetime, or later? Glossary; list of works. (Biography. 10+) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile (November 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670841714
• ISBN-13: 978-0670841714
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,269,230 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haydn, March 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Joseph Haydn (Composer's World) (Hardcover)

This book is great for research on Haydn, or for Classical music lovers who want to know more about their favorite composer. Besides giving a lot of information on Haydn and his life (which, by the way is very interesting), this book also has many pieces that were composed by Haydn, so you not only get information, but music, too. This book is also filled with many colorful pictures, which makes learning about Haydn that much more fun. If you want to learn about Haydn, this is a great book to use.