The New Grove Hayden (New Grove Composer Biographies)

Rating:
Summary: Careful and thorough scholarship
Review: This is a concise, lucid, well written account of Haydn's life and career with a balanced assessment of his works and of his character. It contains a complete list of Haydn's works and a valuable bibliography for further reading and research. It is an excellent introduction to Haydn. Those wanting to learn more about Haydn's life and works will look elsewhere but will want this book for its listing of his works and its bibliography.

Rating:
Summary: James Webster, The New Grove Haydn
Review: This is a concise, lucid, well written account of Haydn's life and career with a balanced assessment of his works and of his character. It contains a complete list of Haydn's works and a valuable bibliography for further reading and research. It is an excellent introduction to Haydn. Those wanting to learn more about Haydn's life and works will look elsewhere but will want this book for its listing of his works and its bibliography.

Rating:
Summary: Careful and thorough scholarship
Review: This is a useful and solid book for people who want accurate facts about Haydn's life and music. The lists at the end are extremely thorough and detailed. Those who are reading for pleasure will get more enjoyment out of Rosemary Hughes's book "Haydn" (out of print, but often available used), which shows a warmer sympathy for the composer and a better choice of revealing detail.