New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-08-31

Mr.. Breakspeare. "Schumann" by Miss Patter-
son and Haydn and Chopin by Mr.. Hadden-
The last two books are more entertaining than
the others, showing easier command of the
subject as well of the language. The Mozart
story, based Jahn's great work far as
facts are concerned. lacks ease and fuency be-
cause OF the very device chosen, fancy, by
the author to give those qualties-namely,
persistent of the present tense in the rela-
ton. Each Of the volumes tells the life story of
its subject with wise omission Of the fantastic
fiction which has grown UP in desultory writ
ings, and then presents a study of the personal
character of the and an estimate of his
principal works. In each case. too, there are
appendices which will be useful to students de-
sirous of extending their reading. The plan Of
the books is wholly admirable. Mr.. Haddens
story of Haydn's English sojourn benefits large
ly from the contribution made by The Tribune
few years ago in presenting IN full an English
translation of the composers journal kept while
IN London and the love letters of Nine. Schroe-
ter which Haydn had copied IN his notebook.
Journal and letters came into the hands of
member of The Tribune's editorial staff from
the posthumous papers of Alexander w. Thayer.
In view of the fact that the instructions of
Pore PiuX Y and the Sacred Congregation OF
Rites virtually put all of Haydn's masses in
the Index Expurgarorius. it is interesting to read
Mr. Hadden's plea in eXtenuation for them
Commenting on Haydns simple piety he says:
He was devout Christian. and looked upon his
genius gift from God. TO be freely used in His
he lived and died in the communion OF the Catholic
Church, and never in danger OF becoming
either bigot a freethinker." When Carpani,
anticipating latter day criticism hated to him that
his Church compositions impregnated with
light gayety. he replied: Il cannot help it; give
forth what is in When | think of the Divine
Being my heart full OF joy that the notes fly
heart He will pardon me il I serve Him cheer
fully OF his masses and Church music
generally it is difficult TO speak critically without
seeming unfair. We have seen how he explained
what must be called the almost secular style or
these works But while II Is that Haydn's
masses have kept their place in the Catholic
Churches Of Germany and elsewhere, Il Is impossi-
tain incongrUity. lack OF that dignity and So
lemnity, that religious sense" which makes our
own Church music impressive. We must not
blame him for this. He escaped the influences
which made Bach and Handel great in religious
musc-the influence of Professionalism, not 10 say
no longer guided in its music by the principles OF
Palestrina On the contrary il tainted by secu-
lar and operate influences; and although Haydn
felt himself TO be thoroughly in earnest II was
rather the ornamental and decorative side Of re-
ligiOn that he expressed in his lively music. He
might perhaps. have written in a more serious.
lofty strain had he been brought under the noble
the earlier master just named. In any case, his
Church music has nothing Of the historical! value OF
his instrumental music. It IS marked by many
sterling and admirable qualities, but the progress
of the would have been materially affected
If It had never come into existence.