2-720-412 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Whose music is that which you were playing just now?', (1907). 'It was a common fashion in Vienna...for poor and struggling musicians to earn a few florins by serenading personages of note...Felix Kurz, the manager of one of the principal Viennese theatres, had lately married a beautiful woman...and it occurred to Haydn and two of his companions to serenade the lady with music of the former's own composing. Accordingly, the trio repaired one night to Madame Kurz's windows and began their performance. Presently the door opened, and the figure of Kurz appeared...he inquired, 'Whose music is that which you were playing just now?' 'My own,' replied the serenader. 'Indeed!' responded Kurz, opening his eyes in surprise. 'Come and see me to-morrow,' said Kurz to Haydn at parting. 'I think I have some work for you.' An episode from the life of Austrian composer Joseph Haydn (1732-1809). From "Story-Lives of Great Musicians", by F.J. Rowbotham. [Wells Gardner, Darton & Co. Ltd, London, 1907]