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In spite of the little misunderstanding just referred to Haydn
was brought round once more, and on the 20th of December 1803
Thomson sends twenty-four airs, "which will most certainly be the
last." Haydn's work delights him so much that he "really cannot
bear the idea of seeking an inferior composer to finish a work
already so nearly finished by you." He would pay 4 ducats for
each air rather than have the mortification of a refusal. After
this there is little of interest to note in the correspondence,
unless it be a very "previous" letter of condolence which Thomson
sent to Vienna. A false rumour had reached him that Haydn was
dead. The following extract from a note which Haydn dictated to
be sent to the friend who received Thomson's letter will explain
the matter:
Kindly say to Mr Thomson that Haydn is very sensible of
the distress that the news of his alleged death has caused
him, and that this sign of affection has added, if that
were possible, to the esteem and friendship he will always
entertain for Mr Thomson. You will notice that he has put
his name and the date on the sheet of music to give better
proof that he is still on this nether world. He begs you
at the same time to be kind enough to have Mr Thomson's
letter of condolence copied and to send him the copy.
Haydn's experience in this way was perhaps unique. Burney says he
was reported dead in 1778; and the false rumour which reached
Thomson in 1805 led Cherubini to compose a sacred cantata for
three voices and orchestra, which was duly performed in Paris
when his death actually occurred.
Haydn furnished in all some 250 airs with symphonies and
accompaniments for Thomson. In the packet of letters from the
composer, docketed by Thomson himself, the latter has placed a
slip of paper indicating the various payments he had made.
According to this statement Haydn had 291 pounds, 18s. for his
work from first to last--not by any means an insignificant sum to
make out of a side branch of his art.
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